Week of May 14, 2025
Week of May 14, 2025
RETURN OF RODEO Photos courtesy WHITEHALL RODEO, BRIANNA KRENNERICH, CRESS WHITMAN, and LEDGER...
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is continuing its focus on trout health and population monitoring in the upper Jefferson River basin as part of a cooperative research effort that began last year. Trout surveys in 2023 found population estimates to be at or near historical lows in sections of the Big Hole, Beaverhead and Ruby rivers, coupled with observations of sick trout. Since then, FWP has collaborated with Montana State University in three PhD studies looking at causes of mortality for adult...
MAY 10, 2000 How should the Jefferson County commission spend over half a million dollars locally to ease the economic impacts associated with Golden Sunlight Mine's closure? That question will be answered in the near future because the money is available now. For close to two decades, Golden Sunlight Mine and other hard rock mines in Montana have been paying a mine licence tax designed to soften the economic blow to communities when mines close or start to phase out operations. Golden...
The Whitehall Garden Club (WGC), utilizing the Ambulance building meeting room, enjoyed a muy deliciosa brunch from Sra's Laura Horn y Dorie Westhoven. They included chips and homemade salsa, muy bien handmade empanadas (think pasty), fresh fruits and mucho cookies. We all said "muchas gracias con amor!" Terry Ross presented a Quick 10 Minute talk about the importance of water when gardening. A lot of times, we don't understand why certain flowers, plants, vegetables, etc. start to wither,...
April ushered in the transition from winter to spring in the Montana snowpack accumulation season. "Most SNOTEL sites have passed peak Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) accumulation for the season," said Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Hydrologist. Overall, SNOTEL sites reached near to below normal peak SWE. The timing of peak snowpack accumulation ranged from near normal to 10-20 days early. This is reflected in the May 1 snowpack percentages, with southwest and...
This is one in a series of articles focusing on topics about estate and legacy planning. Authors are Kaleena Miller, MSU Madison-Jefferson County Extension Agent, kaleena.miller1@montana.edu and Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist, marsha.goetting@montana.edu. When a person dies, with or without a will, Montana provides a legal process for transferring assets in the name of a deceased person (decedent) to those entitled to them, said MSU Educators Goetting and Miller. If the decedent dies with a valid Will, the assets...
May 1899 in the Jefferson Valley. The fledgling community of Whitehall is growing up. Beyond the peace of our local area, there was turmoil, destructive weather, and good news, too. The eastern side of Kirksville, Missouri, was struck by a massive tornado that left 200 families homeless and more than 50 deceased. Martial law was declared in Shoshone, Idaho, after union strikers blew up two mills at the Bunker Hill and Sullivan mines. Montana boys were still dying in battles in the Philippines....
The wait is over. You can now check the drawing results for moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat and bison licenses. There are a few ways to get your drawing results. Visit fwp.mt.gov, click on MyFWP Login in the upper righthand corner, then click on “Lookup Draw Results, Register for Lists” tab on the left-hand menu, or login to your MyFWP account. You can also sign up for an account at fwp.mt.gov/MyFWP. Applicants can also call any FWP regional office or the licensing office at 406-444-2950. If you haven’t already downloaded the MyFWP...
Deb Penner will present her workshop series, Reclamation: The Art Of Coming Home, from 6:30 - 8 PMt Sage Wellness Center in Whitehall on three consecutive Tuesdays: May 20th, May 27th, and June 3rd. Each workshop can stand alone, so if you can’t attend all three, come for just one or two! The series includes: Body - The Art of Presence: Reconnect with your physical form through guided meditation and supportive discussion, discovering what it means to truly inhabit your body with awareness and reverence. May 20th, 6:30- 8 PM. Mind - The Art...
This recipe for Wee Chicken & Waffles with Jezebel-Maple Syrup from Denise Gee's Southern Appetizers: 60 Delectables for Gracious Get-Togethers (Chronicle Books) utilizes commercially available miniature waffles and popcorn chicken bites to create a chicken and waffles dish with a kick. Serve alongside mini muffins, deviled eggs, cheese and crackers, and other simple brunch dishes for youngsters and their little fingers to prepare. INGREDIENTS: Jezebel-Maple Syrup 2 cups maple syrup 1/4 cup...
I recently had the privilege of joining Southwest Montana Tourism on a Familiarization (FAM) Tour-and it was incredible. Just when I think I've seen all Montana has to offer, I find something new to love. Our day began in Dillon with stops at the Tendoy Fine Art Gallery, Patagonia Outlet, The Bookstore, and Sweetwater Coffee. Each place highlighted the unique charm and creativity of our region. From there, we explored the preserved ghost town of Bannack State Park, a true step back in time. We...
DIY Computer Repairs: What You Can and Can't Do Computers have become essential in our daily lives in today's digital age. When they malfunction, the thought of costly repair bills can be daunting. Fortunately, some computer issues can be resolved at home with basic tools and patience. However, not every repair is safe or advisable for the average user. Here's a guide on what you can and can't do regarding DIY computer repairs. What You Can Do: Clean Your Computer: Dust buildup can cause...
The WHS Class of 2025 will be graduating in less than a month! BUSINESSES: The Ledger will be putting together its keepsake Graduation Section. Is your business interested in running an ad of congratulations for this section? Please let the Whitehall Ledger know soon! The deadline for inclusion is May 26, 2025; the graduation section will run in the June 4th edition of the Ledger as well as be handed out at graduation. Congrats ads in this section are priced as follows: • Business card: $50 • Rectangle: $100 • 1/4 page: $150 SENIORS:...
GEORGIA, I have a question, I have five siblings, all over the age of 27. None are employed, and all are on government support or disability. Every Mother’s Day for the last 22 years, I have paid the bill for dinner for all of us, which is hundreds of dollars. I have paid because I am the only one with a stable income; I make a good, comfortable living, but I am not rich. This year, I am finally a mom. As a 38-year-old, I also don’t feel that it is still my responsibility to pay for all of my siblings. Yes, I can afford it, but it has now...
Montanans are being crushed under the weight of skyrocketing property taxes. Longtime residents are watching their tax bill soar as wealthy out-of-staters scoop up land and inflate home values across Montana. Families, seniors, and working people across the state are pleading for relief. This session a group of Montanans – Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals – came together to deliver meaningful property tax relief. Unfortunately, a group of Montana lawmakers stood in the way and are now actively campaigning to get...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you soon find yourself pushing forward with great determination. Your drive is unstoppable, but tread carefully and respectfully in pursuing greatness. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Introspection is paramount right now, Taurus. You may reflect on your values, goals, and personal growth. This week, there are chances to change. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, right now is a good time to collaborate with others, whether at work or in personal projects. Use any time this week to your advantage to attend social events. CANCER...
The subject of wealth and prosperity comes up often in the New Testament. Jesus taught about money and possessions nearly 15% of the time, including the matter in 11 of His 39 parables. As a truthteller, He most often cuts to the motive of an individual’s heart, which reveals that person's character. First-century Jewish society was extremely polarized. The affluent treated the poor harshly, including the religious leaders who were excessively judgmental. Jesus stood up for people of good character. “As Jesus looked up, he saw the rich...
We’re lucky that pigeons make gentle cooing noises, not loud squawking noises. The idea that you master something after ten thousand hours does not hold much water, as people still bite their tongue when they eat. If human beings laid eggs, consuming them would be considered anything from taboo to ritualistic, varying from culture to culture. By the laws of logic, “to be or not to be” is always true. The day technology reaches singularity will be known as Independence Day for robots and Doomsday for mankind. You never realize how loud...
The 2025 Legislative Session is over and it is time to look back at what was accomplished. For 85 days, Montana House Republicans worked hard to make Montana a better place to live, start a business, and raise a family. Property tax relief was our number one priority. The property tax package passed by the Legislature provides significant relief to Montana resident property taxpayers. The current property tax rate on residential property is 1.35%. For the 2025 tax year, the property tax rate will drop to 0.76% on the first $400,000 of market...
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Samuel Allen Miller, who departed this life on May 6th 2025 at the age of 51. Samuel was born on March 10, 1974 in Bozeman, Montana. Samuel moved to Nevada in 1993, where he raised three children. Sam was a devoted son, father, brother, uncle, and friend to many. Sam enjoyed the simple things life had to offer from sitting down with friends or watching football with his sons. Many things brought him joy in life but he always told us his favorite was fishing on the river with his dad and...
William (Willie) Emil Claussen Jr., age 71, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Willie was born in 1954 in Red Bank, New Jersey, to William Sr. and Catherine (Holmes) Claussen. His family moved to Pompano Beach, Florida, where Willie graduated from both High School and Broward County Vocational Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in 1972. Willie's first job was working as a produce manager at Grand Union Grocery Store in Pompano Beach, Florida. His good friend Rob Benson's...
We were saddened to hear of the lifelong local elk hunter who recently stopped setting up camp near Pipestone, where a quiet dirt road crossed a ribbon of creek. As the jeep and side-by-side traffic has increased lately, his little hideaway among the aspens has become a destination of rock obstacles and glistening pools, where Search and Rescue regularly turns up to save bogged down, inexperienced drivers. Jefferson County – where sagebrush flats climb through boulders and forest to the...
SUNDAY, MAY 4 00:35:31 Traffic Stop: I-90 00:50:45 Trespass: N Whitehall St 01:16:10 911: N Whitehall St 03:12:29 Medical: W First St 07:28:51 Animal 14:33:14 Traffic Stop: Paul Gulch Rd 17:54:11 Drugs: Hwy 2 W 17:56:24 Vehicle Accident (Non-Injury): Hwy 2 W 20:23:27 911 20:35:43 Stranded Motorist: Delmoe Lake Rd/Hay Canyon 21:48:11 Agency Assist: KG Ranch Rd MONDAY, MAY 5 03:49:10 911: Hwy 287 07:32:06 911: KG Ranch Rd 11:26:56 Citizen Assist 12:41:25 Citizen Assist: S Lincoln St 14:46:44...
Free Showing of Good Night and Good Luck May 14 Whitehall Indivisible (WI) invites the entire community to a free showing of the 2005 award-winning film Good Night and Good Luck at the Star Theatre at 6 PM, on Wednesday, May 14 . The movie depicts the journalistic integrity that was required to bring down Senator McCarthy in the 1950s. Concessions will be available for purchase. WI continues to see new faces; participants this week ranged in age from just three-weeks-old to 77. WI has been...
The Whitehall Study Commissioner met Tuesday, April 29th for a short meeting from 5:30 to 6 PM. A Public Meet and Greet followed until 8 PM at the new ambulance barn, located at 200 W. Second. Notice of the Meet and Greet was advertised for two weeks in the paper and public notices hung in various locations. About .02% of the population in the area (or 3 people) came by. I would like to thank Terry Ross, Maxine Samuelson, and Kerry Buterbaugh for their participation. The next Whitehall Study Commission meeting is May 20 at 5:30pm in the...
Montana’s high-profile STARS Act cleared its last hurdle in the policymaking process last week when Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the $100 million investment in starting teacher pay into law. Throughout the past five months, the bill had become emblematic of the Legislature’s debate over how best to fund public education, its price tag underscoring the scope of financial pressures weighing on the state’s K-12 school system. In announcing the signing, Gianforte framed the STARS Act as “the next step in the right direction to support our...
POLE BENDING: (7 & Under) 1. Nora Bernall 2. Sayre Pearce 3. Ember McGowan 4. Etta Tamke (8 to 13) 1. Lilly Sorenson 2. Piper Roberts 3. Max Sorenenson 4. Kellen Simon (14 to 18) 1. Lilly Ebert 2. Julia Hoagland 3. Jhett Hoffmann 4. Beth Rider FLAG RACE: (7 & Under) 1. Cannon O'Meara 2. Ember McGowan 3. Sayre Pearce 4. Jhett Tamcke (8 to 13) 1. Sterling Pearce 2. Ellery Hughey 3. Serena Pearce 4. Piper Roberts (14 to 18) 1. Havana Schwarts 2. Julia Hoagland 3. Beth Rider 4. Hope Nelson DUMMY...
