Week of July 22, 2026
Week of July 22, 2026
Whitehall will come alive July 23–26 as the community celebrates Red, Whitehall & Blue Frontier Days 2026, Whitehall's annual festival packed with family activities, live entertainment, rodeo action, community traditions, historic celebrations and patriotic events, all coordinated by Whitehall non-profit Whitehall Events. Festivities begin Thursday, July 23, with free swimming for children at the Whitehall Swimming Pool from 1 PM to 5 PM, sponsored by the Jefferson Valley Volunteer...
Get your motor running to attend the Whitehall Memorial Rod Run, this Saturday in Whitehall during the annual Frontier Days celebration! Get ready to see some shine, beautiful colors, and classic style as Frontier Days rolls into high gear with one of its most beloved traditions-the Whitehall Memorial Rod Run, starting bright and early Saturday, July 26 at 9 AM in Legion Park on the west end of town. This cherished car show is more than just chrome and horsepower-it's a tribute to all of those...
Whitehall Low Power TV will be providing live TV coverage of the upcoming Frontier Days Parade on local PBS channel 49.2 starting about 10:45 AM. The Parade announcers this year will be Bruce Binkowski, Jefferson County Events Coordinator, and Whitehall's biggest fan Coco Martinson. There will be a replay of the parade and highlights of the other Frontier Days activities the following week on channel 49.2. The times will be...
ATTENTION ARTISTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS! Jefferson Valley Fine Arts is happy to announce we are holding our annual art exhibit during Frontier Days in the Borden Hotel Conference room, in Whitehall. All fine art and photography are welcomed. Cost to exhibit is $15.00, no commission is charged for sales. Artists will check in their art to the Borden Conference room Thursday, July 23rd from 3 PM to 6 PM. Come join the fun and show the town the amazing talent we have in our area! The dates for the...
Don’t miss a great Friday night concert before the rodeo starts with Montanan Rob Quist. Quist, born in Cut Bank, Montana, is a central figure in the state’s folk, country, and Americana traditions. As a founding member of the Mission Mountain Wood Band and later as a solo performer, he helped give Montana music a voice rooted in landscape, community, and regional pride. The Crown of the Continent is a fine example of his ability to turn place into song. The performance carries the feeling of mountains, rivers, memory, and reverence, with...
This year’s Frontier Days is revving up once again a heart-pounding event that’s sure to leave jaws on the ground and eyes to the skies. For the second year, motocross legend and Butte native Keith Sayers will be soaring into/onto/over Legion St with his gravity-defying freestyle motocross show — and you’ve got just one chance to catch it: Saturday, July 25th immediately following the parade! Legion Street will be closed to thru traffic from Lincoln (by Family Dollar) to Whitehall Street (by Thriftway) following the parade. There will...
So Many Ways to Screw Up Your College Interview is a fast-paced comedy that proves there are countless ways to make a terrible first impression-and every single one of them is absolutely hilarious. Whitehall Theatrics Jr. Division will present this laugh-out-loud 45-minute long comedy on Friday, July 24th at 5 PM and Sunday, July 26th at 1 PM in the historic Star Theatre. Tickets are $5 and proceeds will help the troupe pay registration fees for the 2027 Montana Thespian Competition in Missoula...
Families, friends, and neighbors have gathered to celebrate our small town charm and community spirit for over 40 years during Frontier Days. Locals and visitors alike are invited to join in activities for all ages, a parade, food trucks, live music, and a street dance. The weekend gives the community a chance to reflect that many families can trace back their roots to the pioneer days-the Careys, Sacrys, Smiths and Shaws, to name a few! “I enjoy our civic organizations that do what they can to make our community a great place. It’s a...
THURSDAY, July 23rd 1PM - 5PM: Kids Swim FREE at Whitehall Pool (3 Yellowstone Trl) 5PM - 7PM: Ressler Motors Community BBQ (Pavilion) 5PM - 7PM: Music by Brent Harrison (Pavilion) 5PM - 7PM: Log Sawing Contest Sign-ups (Pavilion) 7:30PM - 9PM: Frontier Days 4H Dance (Main St) FRIDAY, July 24th 9AM - 5PM: Jefferson Valley Fire Arts Show (Bordens) 10AM: PRCA Rodeo Slack (Rodeo Grounds) 10AM - 6PM: M&M Vintage 4 Year Anniversary Sale (7 N Main) 11AM - 2PM: Valley Bank Community BBQ (101 E Legion)...
Our crew is working hard and having fun in the HOT sun! Insects are best collected in the hot afternoon, when they are up on the tops of the plants rather than hiding at the base, as they do when it is cool. We have just finished collecting and releasing leafy spurge insects in the Missoula and Grass Range areas. It is gratifying to see how quickly these insects are killing much of the spurge. In southwest Montana, it is becoming hard to find places with extensive, remaining leafy spurge...
Joe Davis is a fourth‐generation Whitehall/Cardwell resident, born August 23, 1947, to Hershel and Mary (Kissock) Davis. He grew up on the Davis Ranch on Route 2, later known as Tebay Lane. Joe graduated from Cardwell School in 1961 and from Whitehall High School in 1965. After high school, he had to wait until his 18th birthday to begin his first construction job. He worked on the Interstate 90 project from Homestake to Whitehall, earning $4.35 an hour. In 1966, while still working on I-90, he joined the Operators Union and ran the auger...
One-hundred years ago, the primary election took place in August instead of June. Every edition of the July Jefferson Valley News had plenty of ads and articles about people running for the various offices, and the July 1 edition listed the names of the 392 Whitehall people who were eligible to vote. High temperatures during the last week of June were recorded between 77 and 96. Temperatures in mid-July stayed in the mid- to upper 80s. At the national level, the federal government reported a...
I love the smell after it rains - so fresh and rejuvenating, which brings with it a feeling of calm. Nice to have those types of mornings once in a while. This summer has been a whirlwind here at the Whitehall Community Library! I'm pretty sure the volunteers thought we were crazy when they found out we were going to make slime with roughly 60 kids. By the way, yes, we are! It's a good kind of crazy though, and we had a blast! This Wednesday, we are going to use a technique called hydro-dipping...
DIRECTIONS: Sprinkle the yeast and sugar over the warm water in the bowl of a stand mixer. Whisk to combine, then let sit until bubbles form on the surface, about 5 minutes. Add the flour, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and salt, and mix with the dough hook on low speed until the dough comes together, about 2 minutes. Scrape the bottoms and sides of the bowl. Increase the speed to medium-low until everything is well incorporated and the dough is sticky, for 2 to 3 more minutes. Drizzle the top of...
My name is McKinley Murphy, and I will be a freshman at Ennis High School this fall. I like a lot of different things about 4-H. I enjoy showing my goats & showing them off because I raise them. I also like doing indoor projects and sharing my knowledge about them with the judges. Seeing my friends and making new friends is one of my favorite things about being involved in 4-H. The coolest thing I have done in 4-H is get into and win Round Robin with my Dairy goat, Bean. It was super cool...
Three years after taking over the Jefferson Inn, owners Greg and Veronica Cowdrey have quietly transformed the longtime Whitehall motel through extensive renovations, updated amenities and a renewed commitment to customer service - all while working to change outdated perceptions of the property. The couple said one of their biggest challenges has been convincing local residents and returning travelers that today's Jefferson Inn is far different from the motel many remember from years past....
The Jefferson Valley Museum has new signage throughout town, which showcases both the historic Brooke barn as well as the newly refurbished Lewis & Clark...
Dear Editor, I voted for Alani Bankhead in the Democratic primary because I didn't think the alternative was the better choice. That said, she wasn't my first choice-Seth Bodnar was, but he wasn't on the ballot. I had hoped Bankhead would recognize that much of her support came from voters looking for an alternative rather than from broad enthusiasm for her candidacy, and that she would step aside to give the strongest possible candidate a chance to turn the Senate seat purple. Then, trying to...
What are other communities doing to make roads safer? Here's a clue. It is illegal in Montana. Using technology. Communities across America are using automated red-light enforcement cameras, speed cameras, and automated ticketing systems to make roads safer. They are saving lives. Preventing injuries. But not in Montana. In the absence of modern technology, driving defensively is critical. It's a survival strategy. Why? Because we have to assume that every stop sign, traffic light, and speed...
It’s envying to see a nice house from the highway, until you realize you can see it from the highway. The growth-maturity moment of boys/men needing to run to the store for feminine hygiene products has largely been eliminated by self-checkout. Civilizations started from kids running away from home. Comparing Armageddon (1998) and Don’t Look Up (2021) shows how mindsets have changed over time. We know humans experience time at approximately the same rate because our reaction times are so close. Having a photographic memory must have been...
To the Editor, The recent lawsuit filed in the name of the Yellowstone County Republican Central Committee (YCRCC) et al. against the Montana State Republican Party, without the consent or vote of the precinct representatives, is a glaring example of how our local YCRCC executive committee has centralized power at the top vs. being run as the grassroots political organization it is meant to be. The Executive Board decided unilaterally on July 1st that suing the GOP party over its new bylaws was...
Dear Editor, I'm pretty sure some of your readers are aware of the most recent Jefferson County Commissioner's meeting (July 14), which might well be called a travesty! This may seem a bit petty, but "How many commissioners are required to hold a valid assembly?" If one is missing, which is more than understandable (condolences to the Kirsch family), would it not STILL be a requirement? I'm not sure what the law is regarding conflicts of interest, but I'm pretty sure I remember hearing...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 How you respond to a situation matters more than how quickly you react, Aries. Interactions with others will feel more charged than expected, but will be effective. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, slow down so you can see what actually matters right now. You may feel slightly off if you move too quickly; give yourself time to respond to those seeking your help. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 You may want to say yes to something quickly, Gemini, without giving it ample time for consideration. Do not jump into things without...
GEORGIA, I have a question. My daughter (23) adopted a two-year-old cat about two months ago from the humane society. She was a plump cat, about 12lbs. We scheduled her a vet appointment, but there’s a 6-week wait. Three weeks later, she gave birth to three kittens. We still have a two-week wait for the vet. While a surprise, we are all in love. She is keeping two kittens with mom, and my other daughter (25) is keeping one. Unbeknownst to me, one of my good friends has taken it upon herself to rehome all three kittens, without talking to my...
Have you ever been on the road and suddenly a yellow display light alerts you, “Maintenance Required?” Quite often it is merely a timed alarm indicating a needed oil change; however, there are trouble codes that can indicate serious problems, and in those cases, your trip (or vacation getaway) turns into a headache. Just last week, my alternator was failing, but with some help from a friend and tools in the truck, the problem was resolved. Acts 2:44 reads, “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” This raises the...
Jake Steven Hansen, 39, passed away suddenly on July 17, 2026, in Manhattan, MT. Jake was born on January 26, 1987, in Dillon, MT, to Craig and Donna (Hayden) Hansen. He was raised in Dillon and graduated from Beaverhead High School in 2005. From an early age, Jake was known for his strong work ethic and love of the outdoors. Farming was more than a job to him- it was a way of life. Throughout his career, he worked with Hansen Ranches, INC, while also starting a custom firewood business while...
David Henry Kirsch, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Boulder, Montana, on July 8, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on February 6, 1938, in Lewiston, ID, Dave spent his early years moving around Idaho and Montana before settling in Boulder in 1972, when he purchased the hardware store. There, he became a familiar face in the community while running the store until his retirement in 1999. Away from work, Dave found joy in Montana's outdoors, teaching his kids to hunt deer and elk,...
Candace "Candy" Emilie Tilzey, 86, went to sleep peacefully and joyfully woke up in the arms of Jesus on November 26, 2025. She was born to Ralph and Veronica Schnell on March 30, 1939, in St. Maries, Idaho, and joined her beautiful sister Joicelyn. They welcomed their little brother Bill in 1945. Candy cherished her childhood ranch life in Phillipsburg with many special memories. She fondly remembers the fascinating lightning in the summers and digging through the incredibly deep wall of snow...
David Henry Kirsch, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in Boulder, Montana, on July 8, 2026, surrounded by family. Born on February 6, 1938, in Lewiston, ID, Dave spent his early years moving throughout Idaho and Montana before finding his lasting home in Boulder when he purchased the hardware store in 1972. There, he became a familiar face in the community while running the store until his retirement in 1999. Away from work, Dave found joy in Montana’s outdoors, teaching his kids to hunt deer and elk, fish nearby streams, pan for...
Warming river water is prompting more hoot-owl fishing restrictions and one complete closure in southwest Montana this week. The Madison River, from the Madison Dam at Ennis Reservoir to the footbridge at the NorthWestern Energy powerhouse, is closed to fishing at all hours beginning Wednesday, July 15. The closure is in response to warm outflows from Ennis Reservoir that are preventing nighttime cooling in that section of the river. Hoot-owl restrictions, which prohibit fishing from 2 p.m. to midnight each day, also take effect on July 15 at...
For about 20 years, wildlife managers, politicians, and wildlife advocates in the Northern Rockies have gone back and forth about what to do about grizzly bears. The heart of that debate centers around who should manage the species: the states or the federal government. So when I got word there would be a press conference this week north of Yellowstone, in the heart of grizzly country, featuring the governors of Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho alongside Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum, I knew...
Will Bowen has been running Whitehall's only vehicle scrapyard at the south end of Whitetail Road for 20 years – but may soon be forced to stop. At 22 years old, he broke his back when a pile of trusses fell on him, making physical labor impossible, so Bowen began scrapping metal to make ends meet. What started as salvaging a few motorcycles a year gradually grew into a car-wrecking facility where Bowen would tow, store, crush, and salvage cars from area shops and individuals. Bowen estimates...
Commercial and residential subdivisions have been spreading across the Gallatin and Helena Valleys like a patchwork quilt, replacing open land. Concerns range from increased traffic to the loss of open space, but the gravest issue centers on water, both its quantity and quality. Increasingly, longtime residents and senior water-rights holders are finding themselves in conflict with rapid development fueled by Montana’s “exempt well” loophole. Developers have exploited a loophole in Montana water law to build subdivisions with exempt...
SUNDAY, JULY 12 06:24:12 Traffic Stop 06:33:22 Animal: Hwy 55 07:54:47 Medical: Quarter Horse Ln 10:01:58 Suspicious: Milligan Canyon Rd 11:05:47 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 12:58:07 Traffic Stop: Hwy 55 13:09:21 Citizen Assist: Uff Da Rd 13:38:30 Traffic Stop: Hwy 55 14:13:36 Stranded Motorist: I-90 14:31:08 Motorist Assist: I-90 14:38:28 Motorist Assist: I-90 14:38:34 911 E LEGION ST 14:54:09 Traffic Stop: I-90 15:11:57 Reckless Driver: I-90 15:30:43 Traffic Stop: I-90 15:37:51 Suspicious:...
The Whitehall High School Athletic Hall of Fame 2026 Induction Ceremony will be held after the Frontier Days Parade on Saturday, July 25th, at 2 PM in the Legion Center at 405 W Legion (across from Valley Bank sign). The 2026 Inductees include: • Levi Simon • Layne Simon • Casey McLean • WHS 1961 Boys Basketball...
In the summer of 2024, the Whitehall Rodeo Committee was asked to host a PRCA Rodeo. With many helping hands, team work and cowboy/girlwork ethic, the community pulled together and a good time was had by all. After the crowds went home and the dust settled, Whitehall was asked to host again. Now the PRCA is being welcomed back for the 2026 Whitehall Frontier Days celebration and Whitehall PRCA Rodeo! What's all the buzz with the Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA)? Growing popularity:...
Yeehaw! Whether you are a competitor or a fan, rodeo is an exciting part of our Western tradition. The sun is shining and the days are long—it’s time to hoof it to the rodeo! We are excited to extend a warm welcome to locals and visitors alike! Get ready for a summer full of exciting events at the Whitehall Rodeo Grounds! Nothing says summer in Montana like donning the boots, hats, and buckles and heading to the local rodeo to cheer on cowgirls and cowboys doing what they do best. In fact, in spring of 2025, the Montana Legislature passed...
WE in Whitehall had an amazing turnout this weekend with thirty competitors from Montana, Utah, and Idaho. WE in Whitehall coordinator Brianna Krennerich would like to send a huge thank-you to the event’s wonderful judge, Tracey Erway, and technical delegate, Dawn Swensson, for all their time and expertise, as well as to their wonderful scribe, BJ. Thank you to the one, the only Alyssa Briceland, who helped run and manage the show. Couldn’t have done it without you! Thank you, Alyssa and...
