Week of October 14, 2026
Week of October 14, 2026
Whitehall was hit with a surprising October snowstorm that left behind enough snow for several snowmen at the Whitehall Elementary...
Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch (YBGR) is celebrating the opening of a new therapeutic group home at its Boulder Campus with a community housewarming and open house on Wednesday, October 14th. The new home replaces an older facility, providing a modern, welcoming environment designed to better support kids receiving behavioral health care. The project represents a continued investment in YBGR's existing facilities rather than an expansion of service capacity. "Our mission has always been about preparing kids for life, and the environments...
The screams are returning to Whitehall this Friday, October 16, as Screams Come True Haunted House kicks off its seventh season of terror, thrills, and community giving. But behind the blood-curdling screams, terrifying creatures, and elaborate sets is a success story that goes far beyond Halloween. Recognized by Travel Pulse Magazine as Montana's top haunted house destination in 2022, Screams Come True has grown from a seasonal attraction into one of Whitehall's most successful community...
In early September, President Trump signed an executive order that continued to rely on big-bad-wolf myths. He claimed that living in wolf country is "very dangerous." He then directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to determine whether gray wolves and Mexican wolves should lose federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Without waiting for an answer, he also directed Burgum to support Congressional removal of gray wolves from the endangered species list. Wildlife defenders noted...
Whitehall School students tested above the national average -in some cases considerably above the national average - in the Iowa Test of Basic Skills, according to results released by school officials to the Whitehall School Board District on October 3, 2001. WHITEHALL HIGH SCHOOL CREATIVE LEADER OF THE WEEK: Kenzie Cowling. President of the WHS student council, Kenzie Cowling, was nominated this week by council advisor Corrie Bateman, who says she chose Kenzie because she "demonstrated...
One of the greatest joys of my job at the Whitehall Community Library (110 W First - Whitehall) is telling patrons I have a new order of books in. This week Brandi and I stopped at Barnes & Noble and brought home almost $5,000 in new books. I didn’t pay nearly that much because they give me a fantastic discount, but the effect was the same. All week I have heard little voices and big voices exclaiming their delight with “Wow!” “When are they going to be out?” “Can I look?” “Is...
Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the Montana Audubon Center are hosting Bat-Stravaganza, a family-friendly event that celebrates and teaches about bats. The free drop-in event will take place Thursday, Oct. 22, at the Montana Audubon Center (7026 S. Billings Blvd., Billings, MT) from 6 PM – 7:30 PM. All ages are welcome. At Bat-Stravaganza, participants will learn about the benefits of and threats to bats, play educational games, explore a “bat cave,” and make bat-themed crafts. Halloween costumes are encouraged. Prizes, snacks, and...
Pizza is among the most popular foods in many parts of the world. Indeed, few people have had a slice of pizza and not wanted another in the near or distant future. The versatility of ingredients has undoubtedly contributed to pizza's popularity. People can now enjoy pizza with a wide range of toppings. Homemade pizza has also become a staple in many households, and this Lines+Angles recipe for "Pizza With Peppers, Tomatoes, Onions, and Prosciutto" features an array of tasty toppings....
After farming for 85 years, David Brown of Whitehall leaves much of the heavy lifting and hard work to others. Though he admits that he still "keeps an eye on the farm" and still jumps in, moving sprinklers and other chores when needed. But that doesn't mean he isn't active. Three nights a week, you will see him out on the dance floors in Deer Lodge and Anaconda, doing his favorite thing, dancing to country music. "I like good music, and it's good exercise," said Brown. His favorite spot to...
Did you know that you are a beneficiary? Really, of State Representative Bullock. No, not former Democratic Governor Steve Bullock. Seth Bullock. A Montana Territorial Legislator in 1872. Your inheritance? Yellowstone National Park. This Bullock was a Republican. At 22, Montana's youngest legislator. In January 1872, Bullock introduced Joint Memorial No. 5 in our Legislature, calling on Congress to preserve the Yellowstone region. It asked that Yellowstone "be dedicated and devoted to public...
Dear Editor, What typically drives who and what you vote for? Is it your allegiance to a political party, information you get from outside sources like TV ads, or your religious values? Regardless of your answer, all three factors share one common thread: morality. A 2024 Psychology Today article explains that "values are universal standards that guide our behavior, shape who we aspire to be, and, ideally, extend to the political landscape, where we vote in alignment with them." If that is true...
Dear Editor, We thank The Monitor for hosting last Tuesday's 2026 HD-75 candidate forum (audio link: 2026 HD-75 Candidate Forum.mp3). The informal conversations with all three candidates and their answers to questions from The Monitor's publisher and editor were helpful. Because the audience could not ask follow-up questions, however, we would like to offer additional issues that arise because of the candidates' responses. We focus on the following questions from the forum: • Should federal...
Dear Editor, Constitutional Initiative -132 is a simple initiative that puts one sentence into Montana's constitution: "Judicial elections in Montana shall remain nonpartisan." The reason I will vote YES for CI-132 is to prevent out-of-state billionaires from influencing judges to sell off our public lands. Allowing non-residents to influence judicial decisions could open the door to the sale of public lands or even the elimination of public access in some areas. People of Montana should have...
Dear Editor, I am writing to enthusiastically endorse David Kosola for Jefferson County Sheriff/Coroner. Having the unique perspective of knowing all three candidates in this race, I can say with confidence that David is the most qualified choice. Beyond knowing David since childhood, I have witnessed his integrity, dedication, and competence as both a law enforcement officer and an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). While Tom Grimsrud and Tom Voigt are pleasant individuals, David Kosola...
Dear Editor, Vote yes to CI-132 Here's why: CI-132 is a simple measure that adds just FIVE words to the MT Constitution: "Judicial Elections shall remain Nonpartisan." Note the word REMAIN. This constitutional initiative preserves the 90-year tradition we have had of voting for judges in nonpartisan elections since 1935, when we stopped Montana's powerful Copper Kings from buying judges to rule in their favor. Montana judges interact with people statewide in all sorts of circumstances; it could...
Dear Editor, In my opinion, all three op-eds opposing I-194 in last week's Whitehall Ledger are political false narratives that seem to rely on no verifiable evidence. In other words, gaslighting! Given the choice between corporations controlling Montana and Montanans controlling corporations, I choose the latter. Switching gears, Representative Reinschmidt (HD75) has gone on record as a proponent of ending Federal public land ownership and transferring those lands to the state. His premise is...
Billions of people could have been the GOAT at something but never tried. McDonald’s is running their “Monopoly” game again. It first started in 1987. The grand prize is the same: $1 million. With inflation, the dollar's value has dropped, so today’s million has 1/3 of the spending power it had when they started. If you weigh 99 lbs and eat a pound of nachos, are you 1% nacho? If the elite ended up living in bunkers while we all die from some catastrophic event, would they actually have the skills to survive on their own? We have...
On a road I travel most days, I have seen a house pop up in a short time span. Concrete footings are a sturdy foundation. Likewise, a word of advice to those returning to church or starting a completely new beginning: I cannot emphasize the Bible enough. These are unsettling times. If the Christian is to be grounded, then he or she must live committed to Biblical truth. The world is always shifting. Cultural trends come and go, and morals change like the wind. Modern sociologists argue that the human family’s ability to adapt is its...
Dear Editor, Last week I had two opportunities to hear from the candidates who are running to represent Jefferson County in the Montana Legislature. Both the Republican and the Libertarian raised issues that are very concerning to me. Both stated that they do not believe there should be any federally owned public lands in Montana. They would have the state take over the public lands and open them up to development. No more Yellowstone? No more Glacier? What are these people talking about?...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Focus your energy on family and home this week, Aries. Although you might feel more comfortable working alone, you may soon find yourself doing group work. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 You have lots of mental energy this week, Taurus. You may be pushed into a leadership role that helps you feel independent. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Sports and competitive physical activities might appeal to you this week, Gemini. Teams, friends, and group activities will be priorities, as will sharing ideas. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cancer, you...
Dear Editor, Don [Lepinsky] and I are occasionally on the same page, but mostly we debate. At least we used to. In the mornings, I would stop at the casino, spend a few bucks, and have some coffee while shooting the breeze with whoever is in there. Occasionally it was Don, and the conversation often turned to politics. It was fun, and there was never any anger. Don has his ways as I have mine, but we get along in the end. But when I read his op-ed about my op-ed, I was confused about what he...
GEORGIA, I have a question. Is money not money anymore?? The pharmacist told me he doesn’t take pennies anymore. Then he took my pennies. This happened this morning. I (44F) stopped at the pharmacy counter in the big chain store by my office to pick up my blood pressure refill. Insurance covered almost all of it — my total came to seventeen cents. The pharmacist was an older man, early sixties, and before he said one word to me, he did the slow look. Top to bottom and back up, like he was deciding what kind of transaction this was going...
Dear Editor, Supporting Montana workers isn't partisan. Our labor unions have members from both sides of the aisle and across the political spectrum. Creating economic opportunity and putting Montana workers first aren't Republican or Democratic issues but things that affect the everyday lives of Montana workers and their families. One thing Montana's workers agree on is that our courts should remain nonpartisan. That's why the Montana AFL-CIO has endorsed CI-132, the constitutional initiative...
Charles "Chuck" Roy Lanes, 81, had his heavenly adoption finalized on Monday, October 5, 2026, following a motorcycle accident. He has gone to his forever home with the Lord. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, pastor, and proud United States Navy veteran, Chuck leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and cherished memories. Born June 17, 1945, to Oscar and Lois Lanes, Chuck grew up in Anaconda, Montana, and attended Anaconda High School. In 1988, he graduated...
Larry Kendall Beeney, affectionately known to many as "The Lost Cowboy," died on October 2, 2026, at age 56. While Larry may have been known as the Lost Cowboy, those privileged to know him knew he had found a home, a purpose, and a community of friends in Whitehall, Montana. Born on December 21, 1969, in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Larry lived a life defined by hard work, independence, kindness, and a willingness to lend a helping hand. He was the kind of man who would give you the shirt...
Retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel David Oclander has been touring Montana for months urging fellow veterans to support Initiative 194 on the Nov. 3 ballot. The Helena resident's recent stops include East Helena, where he's a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, and Montana City, where he lived when he first moved to the state several years ago. I-194, or the Montana Plan as it's colloquially known, seeks to curb corporate "dark money" campaign financing by defining corporations as...
Whitehall Indivisible (WI) opened with a lively discussion of the HD75 candidate forum in Boulder. The format didn't allow for audience interaction, and time constraints meant many attendees’ questions went unanswered. Absentee ballots have been delivered, and early voting is underway at the Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder’s office. The Secretary of State’s office has mailed out a Voter Information Pamphlet that includes information on the initiatives. Voter registration from now until November 2nd is in-person only at the Clerk and...
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 05:17:37 Burglar Alarm: W Legion St 07:44:41 Traffic Stop: N Whitehall St 08:00:53 Traffic Stop: W First St 09:10:28 Traffic Stop: Hwy 55 11:15:02 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 11:46:18 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 11:57:44 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 12:10:17 Traffic Stop: W Legion St 12:21:43 Vehicle Accident (Injury): I-90 13:20:23 Traffic Stop: I-90 13:25:55 Traffic Stop: I-90 13:45:29 Traffic Stop: I-90 15:43:23 Animal: Kountz Rd 18:08:28 Reckless Driver 18:24:51 911 19:32:02...
Whitehall High School’s (Whitehall) fall sports teams continued their seasons with football, volleyball, and cross-country, highlighted by a volleyball win over Lone Peak and several strong individual cross-country performances. Football: Whitehall football fell to Shepherd 28-3 on October 9. With the loss, the Trojans dropped to 2-5 on the season. Whitehall will return to action October 16 against Broadwater High School in Townsend for its second-to-last game of the season. Volleyball: Whitehall volleyball earned a 3-0 win over Lone Peak...
