Week of October 28, 2026
Week of October 28, 2026
In an effort to highlight the importance of dog bite awareness, the Postal Service has issued a special postmark cancellation featuring an image of a Labrador retriever with a hashtag promoting the campaign. In 2025, dog attacks on Postal Service employees dropped to a little more than 5,200 incidents nationwide. The cancellation serves as a reminder of the organization’s commitment to dog bite prevention. It replaces the standard six wavy bars cancellation from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1, and it...
Nxt Gen Entertainment is proud to bring the Rocky Mountain Rumble to the Whitehall Community Center. In cooperation with Whitehall non-profit Gold Junction Presents, Nxt Gen is actively seeking sponsors for the upcoming Rumble on Saturday, November 7th. Doors open at 6 PM with the action starting at 7 PM. TICKETS are available at https://bit.ly/4hJpfmW. The Rocky Mountain Rumble gives businesses a mix of live-event exposure, social media visibility, digital advertising, announcer recognition,...
Hunter numbers and success rates varied in southwestern Montana over the opening weekend of Montana's general hunting season. Wildlife staff from Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks gathered these and other metrics at six game check stations in the region on Saturday and Sunday. Wildlife biologists use check stations to collect data on hunter participation and success, as well as the species, sex, and age class of the animals harvested. This supplements data collected through annual hunter harvest...
The Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department fire hall will welcome families for Halloween festivities beginning at 5 PM on October 31, featuring trunk-or-treat activities, candy and goodie bags for children. Chili, coffee and hot chocolate will also be...
The Whitehall PTSA is seeking help to FEED THE MONSTERS at their Trunk or Treat Event on October 30, from 3 PM to 6 PM on the Whitehall Elementary parking lot. There will be a best decorated car contest, a costume contest at 5 PM, and hay rides to the FFA pumpkin patch! Be on the lookout for MONSTERS around Whitehall. Wherever these MONSTERS live (the Whitehall Ledger, for example) you can donate a bag of candy or small toys to be used for the PTSA's Trunk or Treat event. Items provided will be...
The Screams Come True Crew needs your help. After weeks of building, screams, scares, and unforgettable fun, it's time to put the nightmares away until next year! But before the Screams Come True Haunted House & Maze crew can take a well-deserved break, there's one final challenge ahead - and it's a BIG one! The Screams Crew needs volunteers on Sunday, November 1st, to help disassemble the haunted house at the Whitehall Community Center. While it takes more than a month of hard work,...
2026 Law Enforcement Levy: Is It Necessary? That is the question Whitehall residents will be asked to consider on the November 2026 ballot. To make an informed decision, it is important to understand the Town’s current budget constraints, the cost of providing law enforcement services, and the impact this levy could have on our community. What would the levy cost the homeowners? The estimated additional annual property taxes would be: • $60.10 per year for a home valued at $100,000. • $180.29 per year for a home valued at $300,000. ...
Another major infrastructure project for the residents of Whitehall is close to wrapping up this fall: the water tower, located just north of the dump site on Paul Gulch Road. Many may ask, was this necessary and needed? Whitehall Public Works Director Kory Klapan has been proactive in informing town staff and town council of this necessity over the past couple of years, emphasizing how this project needed to be fast-tracked. The tan metal tank was built in 1996 and has been deteriorating in...
It's that time of year to get spooked at the Annual Cardwell School Student Council Fundraiser - the Cardwell School Carnival! Come join the fun Thursday, October 29th from 5 to 7 PM, with Truck or Treat immediately following at 7:10 PM! Tickets are $1 each or $25 for an unlimited family pass. tickets get your into games, cake walk, haunted house and...
The Whitehall community will reunite as rehearsals for the annual community cantata begin. This year's theme is "THIS IS JESUS" and Janet Heilig will direct the cantata. Singers! Get ready! Rehearsals began on Sunday, October 25th at 7 PM at the First Christian Church (108 E First St - Whitehall). The performance will be on Sunday, December 13 at the First Christian Church. The main performance will be held at 7 PM; however, if you can't make the evening show or don't want to drive at night,...
On an August day, west of Montana Technological University's campus in Butte, a sea of white baby's breath stretches across the landscape. The beautiful and delicate plant, an ornamental popular in flower arrangements and native to Eurasia, doesn't look particularly menacing, but researchers say their impact on native grasslands they invade is anything but harmless. Montana Tech Professor of Ecological Restoration Dr. Robert Pal and visiting researcher Dr. László Bakacsy spent part of the...
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton today reminded Montanans that the statewide Healthy SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2026. Approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA), the demonstration project tests whether restricting specific low-nutrition, high-sugar items encourages healthier shopping patterns and improves long-term health outcomes among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants....
When Carlos was 14, he became a marked man. He’d witnessed a gang execution in his Latin American hometown, and suddenly, his life was precarious. He fled. Entering the United States, the teenager registered with authorities and asked for asylum. That means Carlos is not a lawful permanent resident, and his ability to remain here depends on the outcome of his application. Despite limited English and without his parents to help, Carlos graduated from public high school in my western Colorado town, bolstered by caring teachers and friends who...
DONE FOR THE YEAR: The trout at the Whitehall Fish Pond have moved on to their new home in a private pond, thanks to Terry Ross and Thane Burtch. The duo removed the four fish and transported them in individual large tote bins to their new location. Kory Klapan's extra effort made having the fish this summer possible by ensuring fresh water was piped into the pond. City water, treated with chlorine, would have been toxic for the trout. With the new freshwater supply, the Jefferson Valley...
I can hardly believe this Sunday is November 1st and the turning back of the clocks. Everyone keeps telling me how fast this year is going, and I believe it! Winter illnesses are running through the adults as well as the children this week, including the Whitehall Community Library staff (110 W First St - Whitehall). Thank you for your patience as I am rearranging schedules, working at the front desk, and trying to keep programs up and running. Miss Brandi and I are healthy so far, but then we...
The Whitehall Rotary Club has spent several nights around town marking fire hydrants with reflective tape to help the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department. Whitehall has about 67 fire hydrants, many of which are difficult to see at night. WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL CREATIVE LEADER OF THE WEEK: Travis Henningsen. Veteran WHS drama Club actor Travis Henningsen earns honors this week for his leadership and enthusiasm as Sheridan Whiteside in the play 'The Man Who Came to Dinner.' Travis is a senior and...
Baked goods and the holiday season go hand in hand. Many families bake as part of their holiday traditions. There's no limit to what you can bake during the holiday season, but if you want to offer something less traditional yet equally delicious, try this recipe for Pecan Brownies With Icing Sugar from Lines+Angles. INGREDIENTS: 12 oz. plain dark chocolate, 70% cocoa solids 9 oz. butter 3 large eggs 9 oz. dark brown sugar 2 oz. flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 5 oz. chopped pecan nuts To...
When did Montana change? Change, after all, is inevitable, and most changes are matters of preference that we eventually get used to. Some changes, however, go far beyond preferences. History shows us some fundamental changes that tear down societies and completely destroy the day-to-day life of citizens. One such ominous change is looming on the horizon here in Montana and in America as a whole. That change is a shift to the liberal philosophy that has been called many names, but at its core is the evil ideology of socialism. The socialist...
GEORGIA, I have a question, I am 28. I am getting married in four months, and last week my future in-laws sent their conditions via a lawyer's email, with a PDF attached and my name already typed in. My fiancé's family has money. Mine has a mortgage. When we got engaged, his parents offered to help with the wedding, and I asked them, the way a daughter would, if they could manage $50,000. They said yes. We put $4,600 down as a deposit. I tasted cake. I argued about linens with his mother like we were already family. The prenup arrived last...
Dear Editor, CI-132 proponents assert that banning a judicial candidate from running as a Democrat or Republican helps voters better know their qualifications. That's absurd. That's like telling a man with extremely poor vision, "If you close one eye, you'll see better." Party alignment doesn't provide a perfect line of sight. But it's a key data point. Imperfect, but highly useful. When it comes to voting for judges and justices, Montana voters do indeed suffer from very poor vision. It is...
Dear Editor, Montana's public lands, wildlife, and resident hunters deserve representation that stands up for everyday sportspeople-not organizations that cater to wealthy interests and push policies antithetical to true conservation. The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation (RMEF) has consistently shown it is out of touch with the realities of living and hunting in Montana. By actively opposing critical wilderness designations and aligning closely with right-wing political agendas and heavy...
If you are uncertain about the role of the Montana Supreme Court when it comes to the Montana Constitution, you shouldn’t be. Because you and your fellow Montanans own them both. Since Montana became a state, we have had only two Constitutions, one adopted in 1889 and the second in 1972. The U.S. Constitution is a separate document from the Montana Constitution, which only applies in Montana. The Montana Constitution has an important distinguishing feature. It has always belonged to the people. For over 100 years, the Montana Constitution...
Currently, there is an escalating push to put one of the most powerful and moneyed industries above the law. After months of lobbying and backroom deals, legislation has been introduced in Congress that aims to shield fossil fuel companies from laws or lawsuits that would hold them accountable for their role in the climate crisis. Given what has been documented about the fossil fuel industry, this effort raises serious concerns. No industry should be exempt from the legal standards we apply to everyone else. Oil companies like ExxonMobil,...
In the future, professional athletes will be tested not only for performance-enhancing drugs, but also for genetic alterations that give them a physical advantage. Though HR is a highly disliked department, we almost never see a post dissing HR on LinkedIn. That makes it the most feared department also. In 5 years, everyone with a smartphone will have their own personal AI assistant. Talking to ChatGPT is like telling your ideas to a golden retriever. They’ll get hyped no matter what idiotic thing you say. If flying cars become normal, will...
The Gospel of Matthew is only 28 rather short chapters long, and it ends with Christ instructing the disciples, and us, as we follow along, to go and make believers of “all nations.” It is a direct conclusion, and for centuries it has been called “The Great Commission.” Beyond the point of Salvation, however, Christ matures us in our faith if we take him at his word. Jesus was purposeful in everything while here on earth. Thirty-three years is a brief span, so He had to be intentional. We understand the big picture of Christ teaches...
Dear Editor Thank you, Jim Buterbaugh. I totally agree with you! A couple of the things Trump has done: Peterbilt trucks in Texas have hired 1,000 employees, and production has escalated! Soon, a titanium mine in Nevada with around 8,000 jobs. We will no longer import titanium from China. Also, Obama shut down the government for 17 days, forcing people to take Obamacare. I have so much more I could write -- probably pages! It is so sad people can't see that Trump loves America and wants it to...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, be especially patient and affectionate towards your loved ones this week. Someone close to you will need your help, and only you can provide it. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, after months of figuring out what you want in life, you may finally be able to put a plan of action in motion this week. Enjoy the ride. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, clear your mind of cobwebs and any other errant thoughts. Right now you need to relax and unwind for a bit. You will feel better after a few days of recharging. CANCER - Jun...
This time next week, all the votes will be cast, and most midterm races will be decided, with some counting and verification still underway. Whitehall Indivisible (WI) has been paying close attention to ballot initiatives, candidate races, and party drama for almost two years, and it will be a relief to be through this phase. WI hopes all duly elected candidates will be seated without fuss; if that doesn’t happen, we will join in demonstrating our dissatisfaction. Anyone can join our election interference response network. At this week’s...
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 03:51:28 Wrong Way Driver 06:41:19 Animal: Hwy 2 E 07:36:50 Traffic Stop 08:12:46 Traffic Stop: N Whitehall St 08:32:06 Traffic Stop: N Whitehall St 09:57:44 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 10:08:47 Traffic Stop 14:37:48 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 15:24:45 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 16:08:52 Suspicious Vehicle: N Whitehall St 16:22:16 Animal 16:37:39 Reckless Driver: I-90 17:35:45 Noise: Cox Ln 18:24:02 911: Piedmont Rd MONDAY, OCTOBER 19 04:08:01 911: W Third St 09:19:43 Agency...
WHS FOOTBALL SENIOR NIGHT: WHS Trojan seniors (from left) #11 Brooks Ressler, #3 Ryker Patacini, #55 Jack Raty, #5 Joey Beebout, #32 RJ Aragon, and #51 Braxton Walker were honored on October 23rd's game against the Manhattan...
Whitehall High School's boys and girls cross-country teams closed out their 2026 seasons with strong performances at the MHSA State Cross-Country Championships, highlighted by two top-10 finishes and six personal-best times. Freshmen Roam Hunt and Ember Hunt led the Trojans'boys team, finishing sixth and seventh, respectively. Roam Hunt recorded a personal-best time of 16 minutes, 14.9 seconds, while Ember Hunt finished just behind him with a personal-best time of 16:15.1. Junior Max Fernstrom...
