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  • Call total up, burglary down

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Nov 4, 2020

    The COVID-19 pandemic has not had a huge impact on the number of calls received by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department but has shown a significant decrease in burglary calls and an increase in non-violent domestic calls. According to Sheriff Craig Doolittle, from March 1 to November of 2019 they had 7,769 calls compared to 7,979 for the same period this year. While the calls have increased by 200, Doolittle said they have been increasing every year and believes this to be fairly normal and not a huge increase. Taking a closer look at the...

  • New hours start Nov. 15 at Cardwell Container Site

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Nov 4, 2020

    Madison County residents may have noticed recent changes at the Cardwell Container Site that include a new fence and gate. The location near Jefferson Island is also going to be available only three days a week. According to Kacey Smart of the Madison County Sanitarian's Office, the container site will be open starting Nov. 15 on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The location will be locked at all other times. In July of 2019, the Madison County Sanitation Board had...

  • Whitehall advances to Divisional Tournament

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Nov 4, 2020

    The Whitehall High School volleyball won two of three games at last week's 5B District Tournament and has advanced to this week's Southern B Divisional Tournament in Red Lodge. The Lady Trojans qualified for Divisionals with a third-place finish after a 25-21-27-25, 25-20 home win over Manhattan. Whitehall will open up the tournament with a Thursday, November 5 matchup against the top seed from 4B Joliet. Following the win over Manhattan, Head Coach Kyla Simon said was ecstatic for her squad, especially because they were able to pick up the...

  • Trojans headed to quarterfinals

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Nov 4, 2020

    Just moments after an interception of Whitehall/Harrison quarterback Miles Hoerauf late in the third quarter of last Saturday's opening-round playoff game, a Shepherd High School defender ran to the sideline and proclaimed their defensive unit was a "no-fly zone". With ice in his veins, the Trojans sophomore quarterback had other ideas and helped book his team a flight bound for the quarterfinals. Trailing 2-0, Hoerauf would connect with senior Flint Smith for a 29-yard touchdown with 8:54 remai...

  • Frankie's Open For Business

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 28, 2020

    While the concept of "Country Mex" might sound a little unique, Frankie's owners Priscilla McGee and Charles Frankenstein are hoping the robust flavors of both cuisines combined with fresh and locally produced food will be the recipe for success at the new restaurant located at 14 E. Legion. McGee is no stranger to the restaurant industry having managed her grandfather's restaurant in Louisiana for several years, as well as finding joy making food for large groups of people. While Frankenstein...

  • Our View: Please slow it down

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 28, 2020

    Without trying to sound too much like Lord Eddard Stark on "Game of Thrones", winter is coming in southwest Montana and its pending arrival has already brought the return of nasty roads to the Treasure State. Last weekend morning served as a preview of what is to come as many parts of Interstate 90 and local highways turned into in icy and snowy mess, especially over bridges. And it is still October. This is always the time of year that it is important to remember slow down and drive cautiously...

  • Trojans open playoffs Saturday in Shepherd

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 28, 2020

    Not only was the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team to close out the regular season with their fourth straight victory with a hard-fought 14-6 win over Big Timber, but they also secured the number three seed in the Class B Southern Conference and an opening-round playoff game Saturday at the second seed from the East Shepherd. Now 5-2 with four straight wins, Head Coach Dan Lacey is very proud of how the team has performed and grown since back-to-back losses to two ranked teams. "They...

  • Whitehall Advances at District Tournament

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 28, 2020

    The third-seeded Whitehall High School volleyball team advanced to the semifinals of the 5B District Tournament with a 27-25, 25-15, 25-21 home elimination match victory over Three Forks. The Lady Trojans will look to advance to the finals Thursday with a road game against second-seeded Townsend. Head Coach Kyla Simon said it was great to be able to get the first win of the tournament. "I'm so proud of the girls for being ready to go despite the nerves and jitters that come with the first game of tourneys. Everyone contributed to the win...

  • Whitehall Fall Festival Saturday

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 21, 2020

    Chamber members have been busy prepping for this Saturday's Whitehall Fall Festival. And while pleased with how things are coming together, they could also use a few more volunteers. "This is going to be a day that should be a lot of fun for both kids and adults. We are looking forward to what we have put together for the event, but at the same time have protocols in place from the health department we must follow, and this means we could use a little help from local residents," said event...

  • Our View: Upcoming levy huge for Whitehall

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 21, 2020

    During her monthly report at the October 13 Whitehall Town Council meeting, Mayor Mary Janacaro Hensleigh urged local voters to approve a mill levy that would generate funding for the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department and for the contract with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. She also reminded local residents the Town of Whitehall has not asked for a general mill levy increase since the 1970s. For those who have yet to mail or drop off their ballots for the November 3 election, this mill levy increase is huge for local residents. A...

  • Streaking Trojans win third straight

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 21, 2020

    After a scoreless first quarter of their Friday night matchup against Three Forks, the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team exploded in the second quarter with 21 points on their way to a 42-8 senior night victory. The Trojans would open the scoring with 8:45 left in the half on a 15-yard Brody Becker touchdown. On their next drive, Whitehall would score this time through the air on a 40-yard touchdown from Miles Hoerauf to Flint Smith. They would push the lead to 21-0 at half after a 20...

  • Simon has high praise for senior class

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 21, 2020

    It was a tough match last week for the Whitehall High School volleyball team who fell on the road 25-17, 25-16, 25-17 to rival and undefeated Jefferson High School. "The game in Boulder was tough. They are a good team and are well-coached. We are going one game at a time and using each as an experience and an opportunity and we are grateful that we could play some long rallies with a good team," said head coach Kyla Simon. While pleased with some of what she witnessed from the Lady Trojans,...

  • Superintendent discusses event attendance policy, mask use

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 14, 2020

    At last week’s Whitehall School Board of Trustees meeting, a group of local residents addressed concerns about limited attendance at sporting events, cancellation of non-conference games, and mask use in the schools. When addressing the issue, Whitehall Superintendent Hannah Nieskens was very clear their frustrations were not falling on deaf ears. Nieskens discussed what she witnessed at a September 23 Jefferson County Health Board meeting where she wanted to discuss the cancellation of non-conference games and spectator policy. Nieskens s...

  • "Spooktacular" Costume Contest at 2020 Whitehall Fall Festival

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 14, 2020

    It will be fun for all ages with a "Spooktacular Costume Contest and Parade" planned at this year's Whitehall Fall Festival. The event scheduled for Saturday, October 24 in downtown Whitehall will feature a contest for kids up to five and another for those six to 12. First, second, and third place winners will be awarded prizes from A&W, Subway, and "Screams Come True". Event Chair Melissa Jenkins said this year's fall festival, much like other things, will look a little different in 2020, but...

  • Trojans improve times in Townsend

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 14, 2020

    It was another solid week for the Whitehall High School and Middle School cross country teams. Head Coach Kerry Sacry said everyone improved their times significantly at last week's Rusty Raisland Invitational in Townsend, and it was also nice to be able to have a fun boys squad and be able to get a team score. Wes Biggers led the boys team with a time of 19:08. Others competing for the Trojans were Dawson Powers (19:53), Tommy Emerson (21:42), Adreas Heimberg (21:42), Hunter Coyle (23:34), and...

  • Trojans dominate visiting Cougars

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 14, 2020

    It was a dominating performance last Friday night for the Whitehall/Harrison High School Football team. The Trojans (3-2) had nearly 600 yards of total offense in their impressive 45-24 win over Columbus who came into the game 10th in the Montana 406 Sports Class B Rankings. "I was extremely happy with the overall team effort of our team against Columbus. They are a solid opponent who have been putting up monster numbers all year long. It was nice to be able to get up on them early and force turnovers throughout the game," said head coach Dan...

  • Feight Readies For Spring Season

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 7, 2020

    It would not be a stretch of the imagination to say Max Feight was one of the most gifted athletes to ever play at Whitehall High School. One might also argue he may have had a chance to prove he was the best to ever wear the Purple and Gold had it not been for a freak injury during the first quarter of the first game of his senior year that prevented him from helping him lead his to possible deep runs in the postseason in football and basketball, and a shot at an individual state title in the...

  • Fall Festival Hosting Pie Auction

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 7, 2020

    A Pie Auction at the upcoming Whitehall Fall Festival will help give back to local non-profit organizations. Set for Saturday, October 24, pie makers can identify which non-profit they would like the proceeds to be given to. A food drive is also scheduled during the auction for the Whitehall Food Pantry as well as a drive of food and toys for 4 Paws and Reed's Rescue and Rehabilitation. Chamber Fall Festival Chair Melissa Jenkins is excited about the opportunity to bring additional fun for the...

  • Department responds to Wednesday fire

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 7, 2020

    The cause of a fire early Wednesday morning in Whitehall is currently under investigation. According to Assistant Chief Colton Howser, the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department was called out to a fire shortly after 3 a.m. at 4 W. Olive St. Howser said by the time they arrived the fire was fully engulfed, and he called out Butte Boulevard and Terra Verde, and the Twin Bridges Fire Department. Howser reported they were on scene until 11 a.m. on Wednesday. He added the fire is currently being investigated by the State Fire Marshall. The department...

  • Whitehall moves to 2-0 against rival Jefferson

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Oct 7, 2020

    The second verse was the same as the first for the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team. Playing against rival Jefferson High School for the second time in the first four games of the season, the Trojans once again used a stifling defensive performance to pick up their second win of the season against the Panthers with a 13-7 Friday night road win. Whitehall (2-2) also defeated Jefferson 18-6 at home in their season opener on September 4. "It's always fun playing a rival and to be able...

  • Whitehall picks up wins over Three Forks, Big Timber

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Sep 30, 2020

    It was an amazing week for the Whitehall High School volleyball team. Coming off a week where their lone match was cancelled due to a positive COVID case at Jefferson High School, the Lady Trojans showed no signs of rust picking up a 25-20, 25-22, 25-22 Tuesday win over Three Forks and avenged an earlier season loss with a 25-17, 25-16, 19-25 and 25-20 Thursday victory over Big Timber. Having practiced two weeks without a game, Head Coach Kyla Simon was proud of how fired up here team came out...

  • Trojans, Panthers set for round 2

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Sep 30, 2020

    For the second time in under a month, the Whitehall/Harrison High School football team will square off against rival Jefferson High School. After having their non-conference seasons cancelled, the two teams decided to meet in their season opener on September 4 in Whitehall (1-2) with the Trojans picking up an 18-6 non-conference victory over the visiting Panthers (1-3). Whitehall is coming into the game after a 42-0 loss last week to second-ranked Manhattan. Trojans Head Coach Dan Lacey was pleased with the defensive effort of his team against...

  • Mayor discusses importance of upcoming levy

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Sep 23, 2020

    During her monthly report at last week's Town Council meeting, Mayor Mary Janacaro Hensleigh discussed the importance of the November vote on a 30 mill levy increase to generate funding for law enforcement and the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department. "Whitehall has not asked for a mill levy increase in 50 years. The budget is very tight. Things will have to be cut if we do not get this mill levy increased. I think we've done a good job managing your money, but we can't live on a 1970's budget....

  • Chamber updating billboard

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Sep 23, 2020

    A billboard visible from both Interstate 90 and MT HWY 2 is getting a fresh look. The board for the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce recently voted to change the artwork on the billboard. Jefferson County Events Coordinator Bruce Binkowski is assisting the chamber with the project and is hopeful the sign will be put up by the end of September. He added the pictures (see page 1) on the new billboard will be similar to the current one. Chamber Board President John Kreis said the new billboard was certainly an entire board decision with the new...

  • Trojans prep for high-powered Tigers

    Jack H. Smith, Whitehall Ledger|Sep 23, 2020

    The Whitehall/Harrison High School football team (1-1) will look to bounce back Friday when they travel to take on top-ranked Manhattan. Following a 31-13 homecoming loss to Townsend, Head Coach Dan Lacey said it will be super important to come out with a positive mindset and get ready for a solid opponent in the 3-0 Tigers. Looking back at last week, Lacey discussed how the Trojans turned the ball over three times in the first half which all led to Bulldog points as well as giving up too many b...

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