Week of December 10, 2025
Week of December 10, 2025
Watson Schilling WHITEHALL LEDGER: What's special about Christmas for you? WATSON: (big smile) Presents! WL: Who brings you presents? W: Santa! WL: Does he go buy them at the store? W: (rolls eyes and laughs) No! He makes the elves make them. WL: Where do they make them at? W: Well, they make them at the North Pole. WL: What does an elf look like? W: Well, they. Hold on....I need to think...they're funny looking. WL: Ok....how big are they? W: (thinking) Little. WL: Little...how little is...
At its December Board meeting on Tuesday, December 2nd, the Whitehall School Board moved quickly through routine approvals and heard wide-ranging reports on academics, activities, facilities, grants, and after-school programming. Elementary Principal Kurtis Koenig reported that formative observations were completed on schedule and that most fall statewide assessments are finished, with make-ups due by Thursday, December 4th. Students recently participated in a light-hearted “Cat–Griz” spirit competition that served as a positive...
Carter Lombardi WHITEHALL LEDGER: What holiday is coming up next? CARTER: Christmas! WL: What's so special about Christmas? What's your favorite part? C: Presents. WL: Who brings presents? C: (thinking) WL: Do your mom and dad give you presents? C: Well, most of the time...but sometimes Santa Claus gave me a present when I was a baby. WL: Who is Santa Claus? Is he your uncle? C: (laughs) No! WL: Does he live at your house? C: (shakes head) WL: Where does Santa Claus live? C: The North Pole!...
Whitehall's Annual Christmas Stroll, and all of its accompanying events, is next week - December 12-13. There's something for everyone! THURSDAY, 12/11 • PTSA FAMILY NIGHT: The Whitehall PTSA will hold its annual movie night on Thursday, December 11th, at 6 PM at the Star Theatre. Come enjoy a variety of delicious finger foods, treats, and cookies, make a Christmas card, and watch the 2018 animated film The Grinch! Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be making an appearance and will be accepting...
Gold Junction Presents is holding its first Gingerbread House competition on Saturday, December 13th. Houses may be dropped off at the Whitehall Ledger office (23 W Legion) between 10 AM and 11 AM that morning. All judging will be by People’s Choice and commence once all entries are in place. Votes will be tallied at 4 PM; the winners will be notified by phone and featured in the paper. Entries are not required to be made of gingerbread. One winner per category. Categories are as follows: • Ages 9 and under • Ages 10 through 17 • Over... Full story
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is reporting two new measles cases in Gallatin County. The new cases may have exposed the public to measles in multiple locations in Gallatin and Missoula Counties in November. One case was confirmed on Nov. 28, and the most recent case on Dec. 1. The Gallatin and Missoula health department websites include information about the exact locations, dates, and times of measles exposures to the public. Individuals who are not immune to measles and are exposed to a case have a 90% chance of...
The Whitehall Garden Club (WGC) met at the JVEMS Building on December 3, 2025. Hostesses Ann Palmer and Karen Nielsen greeted us with a gingerbread-themed brunch of delicious breads, a beautifully decorated and decadent cake, a fresh fruit wreath, and a yummy breakfast casserole. The cute gingerbread-themed plates and napkins were a cute touch. This was a delicious and delightful way to socialize before the meeting started. Joan Myhre was installed as the Secretary for the 2026 season (sorry,...
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission on Thursday adopted a handful of new deer hunting regulations aimed at reducing hunting pressure on public land and bringing the state’s flagging mule deer population out of a multiyear decline. During an eight-hour meeting in Helena, the commission voted to reduce available nonresident deer hunter licenses by about 2,500 licenses for the 2026-2027 hunting seasons. The commission also voted to reduce the total number of deer a Montana hunter can kill in a season from eight to three, and reined in the...
A report prepared for the Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC) suggests the assets and property at Golden Sunlight Mine can be re-deployed for a number of post-ming remains the best use of the property. WHS Creative Leader of the Week: MANDY CHATRIAND. Senior Mandy Chatriand earns honors this week for her leadership and participation in high school rodeo. She was nominated by Tom Wheeler who says that he made his selection because of "Mandy's dedication in all of her rodeo activities...
One hundred twenty-six years ago, Whitehall was still an adolescent community searching for a path to maturity. You could find most of what you needed locally, and the school was expanding as more families moved here. The railroad provided the opportunity to travel faster to other parts of the state and country in a little more comfort than by wagon or horse, especially in the cold month of December. The front page of the Jefferson Valley Zephyr brought news from outside of our relatively...
Four outstanding Montana high school students represented our state last week at the National Student Leadership Academy (NSLA), hosted by Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)! Congratulations to: • Addisyn Gray - Whitehall High School • Avyiah Baadsgaard - Glasgow High School • Vivian Adeen Mitchell - Billings Career Center • Kristina Mocabee - Frenchtown High School These students earned their spots by winning Montana's statewide Jobs for Montana's Graduates (JMG) leadership essay...
The holidays are synonymous with many things, including various foods and beverages. Foodies know the holiday season is a time when baked goods, and cookies in particular, take center stage. Celebrants can keep that in mind and prepare a batch of these "Iced Cinnamon Star Cookies." INGREDIENTS: (Makes 24 Servings) For the cookies: 2 1/2 cups almond flour 1 1/4 cups powdered sugar 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 large egg whites 1 teaspoon vanilla extract For the icing: 1 cup...
Alejandro Santillan-Garcia is worried he’s going to lose the aid that helps him buy food. The 20-year-old Austin resident qualified for federal food benefits last year because he aged out of the Texas foster care system, which he entered as an infant. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — commonly referred to as food stamps, or SNAP — helps feed 42 million low-income people in the United States. Now, because of changes included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, to keep his food benefits Santillan-Garcia might soon have to...
A new (temporary) source of comfort and support has quietly opened its doors in downtown Whitehall. A pop-up food pantry is now available inside the historic Star Theatre at 23 West Legion, offering community members a simple, judgment-free way to get the essentials they need. The pantry is accessible during regular business hours through the Whitehall Ledger office and during weekend movie times by speaking with a theatre employee. Whether someone needs a few items to get through the week or...
The BYs 4-H Club tackled the massive task of decorating the Fish Pond for the holiday season. Now the pond looks merry and...
The Whitehall Garden Club was out in full force Saturday, December 6th, with fresh-cut Christmas Trees for sale on the Main Street Green by the Star Theatre. The cut trees sold out by the end of the day, with the money going to Garden Club activities in...
Christmas is on its way and the Library is looking festive as ever! Thank you to all of the children and adults who helped decorate the building. Part of our Stroll activities will be making more decorations to hang on the trees. Speaking of the Christmas Stroll on December 13th, here is a listing of the Library’s activities: The Library will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. that day and things will be humming all the time. Our theme is “An Old-Fashioned Christmas” which includes sharing with others. The Annual Winter Wear Giveaway...
Christmas: The Whitehall Ledger will deliver papers on Wednesday, December 24th, then close and reopen on Monday, December 29th. New Year's: The deadline for the 12/31/2025 paper will be 12/29/2025. The office will close after delivering the Wednesday paper and reopen on Friday, January... Full story
Perhaps some of you remember when the Whitehall Garden Club (WGC) set up a Nativity Garden in the side yard of the First Christian Church. The Garden Club knows for certain that many in the community have created fairy scenes for the trail featured at the Enchanted Forest Faire. This holiday season, the WGC, in partnership with Gold Junction Presents, and your spirited community participation will set up a Gnome and Nativity Trail on the Main Street Green. Nativities speak for themselves, but what about those Gnomes?! We hope community...
Winter’s quiet invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare our hearts for renewal. Even in the deepest darkness, we are reminded that Christ—the Light of the World—meets us, sustains us, and guides us. Join us for a Christ-centered breathwork experience designed to help you rest, breathe deeply, and reconnect with God’s presence. Through gentle breathing and prayerful reflection, we’ll create space to listen and embody the invitation to “Be still, and know that I am God.” Together, we’ll explore how the Holy Spirit brings...
It’s time to vote for your favorite Whitehall Ledger Photo of the Year! Vote now! Visit the Ledger’s Facebook photo album entitled 2025 Photos of the Week (https://bit.ly/4p8h5Y6) and start voting! Likes will be tallied and a winner will be announced in the first paper of 2025! Head over to our Facebook page and like your favorite photo. The photo with the most likes by December 31, 2025, will be crowned the...
ChatGPT is making quite a mark in the human world. And not always to the good. Currently, ChatGPT has over 700 million users, of whom 58% are younger than 30. According to a Pew research survey, that’s up by 43% from last year. You can have conversations with ChatGPT about anything. It is designed to discuss whatever the user wishes. In many ways, this can be a great thing. But there is a dark side. There are no limits to what fantasies or delusional beliefs you can discuss, and ChatGPT, either by design or poor planning, plays along with...
With almost all companies using AI for their marketing, it is weird that AI companies aren't using it in their ads. A person’s peak height is only known in hindsight. An average kid is taught not to talk with their mouth full. An average mute kid is probably taught not to speak with their hands full. Most cars will never be upside down. The older you get, the more dead people appear in your dreams. Men’s public restrooms are laid out all wrong. It should be urinal, stall, urinal, stall, urinal instead of urinal, urinal, urinal, stall,...
Paul, in writing to the Ephesian Christians, took every risk in making a personal appeal. His goal was to provide balanced teaching for relationships, including marriage, family, and work. The overall premise in the New Testament, as first taught by Jesus, is a posture of submitting to or yielding to others, seeking the good of another. By every standard, Paul challenged society's norms across every generation. Obedience is a keyword in Ephesians 6:1-4, as it pertains to the family. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is...
GEORGIA, I have a question, I (26F) stopped shaving my armpits a few years ago and found that I greatly prefer not having bald armpits. I have sensitive skin and get horrible rashes and razor burn from shaving. My decision not to shave my armpits is primarily personal, but I am aware that it is going against a societal/gender norm. My friends are getting married next summer, and they’ve invited me to their summer wedding in Mexico. I asked about dress codes for the various events, and both the bride and groom said they won’t be strict...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, this week is all about momentum. Your boldness helps you break through obstacles like a professional. A surprise opportunity might crop up. Embrace this chance. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 The week starts slow and steady, but then a sprinkle of excitement is added to your routine. A sweet surprise from a loved one could make your week even better. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Your social butterfly wings are flapping, Gemini. Engage in fun conversations with everyone who comes your way. Who knows, even a spontaneous adventure...
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30 06:29:21 Traffic Stop: Whitehall Town Pump 07:32:48 Traffic Stop: Hwy 55 08:55:42 Citizen Assist: Cactus Ln 09:53:36 Traffic Stop: N Division St 10:18:31 Traffic Offense 11:26:20 Traffic Hazard 12:45:35 Court Order Violation: Hwy 55 15:27:02 Vehicle Accident (Injury): I-90 16:12:26 Medical: I-90 17:22:21 Citizen Assist 18:59:09 Traffic Offense 23:13:00 Medical: E Legion St MONDAY, DECEMBER 1 14:50:17 911 15:17:43 Fish/Game Violations: Daly Rd 16:31:55 Transport: S Clark St...
Whitehall High School's wrestlers made their way to Cascade over the weekend and brought home trophies galore. The boys' team took third overall. Individual results were as follows: • Freshman Halle Downey: 1st • Senior Levi Fuller: 2nd • Junior Braxton Walker: 2nd • Junior Joey Beebout: 3rd • Senior Cassidy Collins: 3rd • Sophomore Cale Hoover: 4th • Junior Jack Raty: 4th • Freshman Quade Skogan: 4th • Freshman Colt McLean: 4th • Sophomore Jerrett Miotke: 5th The WHS...
WHS Freshman Carley Ryan, daughter of Jody and the late Davonna Ryan, of Whitehall, spent last spring and summer on the ice playing hockey. While traveling to camps and tryouts, she was one of 18 selected to represent Montana at the U14 Montana Wolves. Approximately 40 girls from across the state went through the tryouts, hoping to make the final cut and join the Montana Wolves. In this, their inaugural year as the first Montana U14 girls tiered team, they earned the first seed from the...
