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Articles from the July 9, 2025 edition


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  • Special Meeting Draws Criticism Over CUP Timing

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall ledger|Jul 9, 2025

    A special meeting of the Whitehall Town Council held this week drew sharp criticism from residents over the timing and purpose of a conditional use permit (CUP) approval, with accusations of favoritism and improper prioritization of town resources. The special council meeting, which immediately followed a public comment hearing on the CUP and the Planning Board meeting, was held on Wednesday, July 2, at the Whitehall Town Hall. The meeting, convened specifically to consider a conditional use...

  • Updated Tax Valuations En Route to Montana Property Owners

    ERIC DIETRICH, Montana Free Press|Jul 9, 2025

    The updated property valuations that will be used to calculate this fall’s property tax bills are en route to homeowners and other Montana property owners, the state Department of Revenue said. The mailed notices tee up a 30-day period in which property owners can appeal their valuations, which will likely rise for most residential properties as a result of widespread home value growth in Montana between 2022 and 2024. “It’s important that Montana property owners review this information,” Revenue Department Director Brendan Beatty said in a st...

  • Deadline Approaching for 2025 Frontier Days Special Section

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall Ledger|Jul 9, 2025

    The Whitehall Ledger is working hard to complete its annual Frontier Days special section, which will be released Wednesday, July 23rd. This section includes the low-down on all of the Frontier Days events, parade grand marshall information, ad specials from local businesses, and more. It is circulated throughout the festival weekend to those in town. This special section's deadline of Friday, July 18th is quickly approaching! The 2025 rates are as follows: • Full Page: 11" x 20" $600 • 1/2 Pag...

  • Ledger Closed Rest of Week

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall LEdger|Jul 9, 2025

    The Whitehall Ledger office will be closed from noon on Wednesday, July 9th, and will reopen on Monday, July 14th at 8 AM. Email and phone calls will not be returned at this time. Thank you for understanding!...

  • Op-Ed: Will Our USA Democracy Survive?

    DAVID TORGERSON|Jul 9, 2025

    Without joining together, our democracy will fail. The definition of indivisible is that it is unable to be divided. It is an essential part of our democracy. It is even incorporated in the Pledge of Allegiance to signify its importance. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, James Madison, and many others of the Founding Fathers recognized that, as the Constitution was written, it would create political parties, making it difficult for a democracy to stand. They felt that they could...

  • Thought Provokers: 7/9/2025

    Jul 9, 2025

    Rubik's Cube and Sudoku are almost perfect opposites. The inside handle of the bathroom door can be the cleanest or the dirtiest in the house, depending on the inhabitants. An alien invasion wouldn’t unite humanity; nations would be selling each other out at the first opportunity. A large percentage of websites that don’t have ads are websites for ad companies. The human condition is an effort to optimize your environment for maximum relaxation and enjoyment. Some day, most combustion engine cars' trips will have to be planned out with availabl...

  • Op-Ed: The 1783 Project

    PAUL F. PETRICK|Jul 9, 2025

    One year from now, you will not be able to turn around without receiving notice of America’s semiquincentennial jubilee. The jollity of the occasion will not change the fact that it will be seven years premature. The historical significance assigned to July 4, 1776, the date the Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Second Continental Congress, is befuddling. Without victory in the Revolutionary War, which began over a year earlier, any declarations regarding American independence made during the summer of 1776 would have the same s...

  • Whitehall Indivisible: The Montana Plan Comes to Whitehall

    HOLLY HARPER, Whitehall Indivisible|Jul 9, 2025

    Whitehall Indivisible hosted its first speaker of July, Jeff Mangan and Chris Burke of "The Montana Plan," at the Whitehall Elementary School Library on Wednesday, July 2nd. The Montana Plan is a 2026 ballot initiative aimed at removing corporate spending from Montana elections. Unlike recent efforts to remove dark money from influencing Montana elections, this will not attack Citizens United regarding free speech. Instead, the Montana Plan will rely on the 10th Amendment's states' rights to...

  • Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 7/5/2000

    BROOKLYNN LANES, Whitehall Ledger|Jul 9, 2025

    The Whitehall Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Mural Project will receive $10,500 from the Montana Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission to paint several additional Lewis & Clark murals in Whitehall. This Whitehall Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Mural, painted on the First Street side of the former Fish, Wildlife, and Parks sign shop (and garage) has been nominated as one of the "Prettiest Places in America." WHS Organizer of the Week: Whitehall Food Pantry. The Food Pantry board members include Mike...

  • Between the Stacks: Week of July 9th

    JEANNIE FERRISS, Whitehall Community Library|Jul 9, 2025

    One of the greatest things about being in a library for many years is meeting some amazing people. I just got off the phone with Kyle Groves, the magician visiting the Whitehall Community Library, and he is excited about coming here next Wednesday, July 16th, at 10:30 AM. I remember when he was assisting his father, Mr. E, while children laughed, clapped, and were amazed at everything they saw. Now, Kyle is entertaining a whole new group of young readers and spreading the message that reading is...

  • Whitehall Garden Club News: July 9, 2025

    JAYNE DEAN, Whitehall Garden Club|Jul 9, 2025

    Celebrate! Celebrate! Diane Ward ensured that the Whitehall Garden Club (WGC) celebrated the 250th birthday of our country, as well as the retirement of Glenna Waltee, the Montana Federation of Garden Clubs' State Treasurer, a role she had performed admirably for 15 years. Thank you, Glenna, for your dedication and love of our beautiful state of Montana and everything "gardens!" The brunch table was filled with red, white, and blue delicious breads, deviled eggs, fresh fruit, and a pitcher (or...

  • Verna Jean Bird, 90

    Jul 9, 2025

    Verna Jean Bird, age 90, of Whitehall, passed away peacefully on June 27, 2025. Born on February 17, 1935, in St. Ignatius, Montana, she was the beloved daughter of Vernon Edward and Delia Eugenia (Vincent) Boucher. Throughout her life, Verna found joy in many pursuits, including her love for cats and birds, as well as her passion for crocheting and quilting. She cherished the time spent with her family and was known for her modest, quiet, and happy demeanor. Verna moved around as a child and... Full story

  • Do You Know Who This Photo Belongs to?

    Jul 9, 2025

    This photo was found in the pages of a book donated to the Whitehall Community Library several months ago. The writing reads: Rhea Beard & I with 40th F53 & Eyamo Q photograph assault on Chinese held hill. This outpost in front of our VSMC Main line. We came out in an armored personnel carrier. Arlene Weber at the Jefferson Valley Museum currently has the photograph and would like to hear the story behind it. If you have any information, please contact Weber at the museum....

  • Mountain Valley Enterprises: One Man, One Mission, One Pipe at a Time

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall Ledger|Jul 9, 2025

    In a world of big business and impersonal service, one man is proving that a small-town work ethic, grit, and genuine care for others can still make a business thrive. Meet Matt Crawford, the owner and sole operator of Mountain Valley Enterprises, a unique septic and plumbing support service based right here in Southwest Montana. Launched at the tail end of 2020, Mountain Valley Enterprises didn't just survive the uncertain times of the pandemic-it flourished. While many small startups...

  • Tech Questions? Get the Answers: 7/9/2025

    TIM SCHOBER, White Hat Tech Solutions|Jul 9, 2025

    The Best Gadgets for a Smart Home Turning your house into a smart home doesn't have to be overwhelming or expensive. With a few carefully chosen gadgets, you can make daily tasks simpler, increase your home's security, and even save on energy bills. Here are some of the best smart home devices to consider, whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your setup. 1. Smart Speakers and Displays Smart speakers, such as the Amazon Echo or Google Nest Audio, are a great entry point. You...

  • Cuts to SNAP Will Deepen Hungry and Hardship Across Montana

    Montana Public Service Commission|Jul 9, 2025

    Montana Food Bank Network (MFBN) is gravely concerned about the passage of the budget reconciliation bill, which includes the most significant cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Passed by a narrow margin in Congress and expected to be signed into law, this bill marks one of the most devastating setbacks for low-income families in decades. MFBN and a broad coalition of anti-hunger advocates, community leaders, and everyday Montanans have urged lawmakers to reject this harmful legislation. Yet their calls went...

  • DPHHS Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Community Engagement, Cost Sharing

    JON EBELT, Montana Department of Health & Human Services|Jul 9, 2025

    The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has opened a 60-day period within which the public may comment on its planned 1115 Medicaid Demonstration Waiver application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). “Implementing community engagement and cost sharing requirements for Medicaid Expansion enrollees is a top priority of Governor Gianforte’s administration,” DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton said. “DPHHS is committed to securing federal approval of our waiver as soon as possible, and I encourage all Montana...

  • Lower NWE Rates to Be Effective Immediately

    Montana Public Service Commission|Jul 9, 2025

    In a decisive move to protect Montana consumers and ensure utility rates remain fair and just, the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a substantial rate reduction for NorthWestern Energy (NWE) customers this week. The Commission’s action comes after months of rigorous scrutiny, culminating in a highly contested rate case and an eight-day evidentiary hearing. “This Commission and staff take seriously the PSC’s mandate to protect the public interest while balancing those of the utility,” said PSC Executive Director Alana Lake. ...

  • FWP Proposes Changes to Wolf Regulations in Effort to Increase Harvest

    Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks|Jul 9, 2025

    Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing changes to wolf trapping and hunting regulations aimed at bringing down the number of wolves across the state, as required by law. FWP’s proposal will go before the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission at their Aug. 21 meeting. It is open for public comment through Aug. 4. Wolf numbers in Montana remain relatively stable despite an increase in harvest in 2024, according to the 2024 Wolf Report, released today. Montana law requires the Commission to pass regulations that will decrease wolf numbers t...

  • RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Peachy Tomato Salad

    Jul 9, 2025

    Even as summer winds down, there is still plenty of time to reap the rewards of backyard gardens and warm-weather entertaining. Refreshing salads are favored at such gatherings, and the interesting pairing of peaches and tomatoes makes the most of these fruits when they're at their peak. Sweet and savory flavors combine in this recipe for Peachy Tomato Salad courtesy of The Mediterranean Diet Cookbook (Rockridge University Press). This delicious side pairs best with grilled fare. INGREDIENTS: 2...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 7/9/2025

    GEORGIA|Jul 9, 2025

    GEORGIA, I have a question, Last week I was on a solo trip, staying at an all-inclusive resort, so I didn’t have to worry about finding places to eat by myself. The hotel used club-style seating, which meant tables were set for eight and guests were seated together to encourage conversation and a sense of community. On the third night, I was seated first and poured myself a glass of wine. A family of five joined me at the table - two parents and three kids (two were teenagers). The mother immediately told me that they did not want their c...

  • American Red Cross Calling on Type O Donors Especially to Give Blood Now

    American Red Cross|Jul 9, 2025

    The American Red Cross urges all donors to give blood now to keep the blood supply strong this summer. Type O blood products are most needed on hospital shelves – especially in the face of summer challenges that can quickly cause blood and platelet reserves to drop. In addition to summer fun and holidays, severe summer weather can have a sudden impact on the ability to collect blood and platelets. Scheduling and keeping donation appointments are crucial this month to ensure blood products are constantly available in the weeks to come for all p...

  • Amazon Warns of New Scams

    Jul 9, 2025

    Amazon recently noticed an increase in customers reporting fake emails about Amazon Prime membership subscriptions. The company wants to help you stay protected by sharing important information about these scams. What’s happening: • Scammers are sending fake emails claiming your Amazon Prime subscription will automatically renew at an unexpected price. • The scammers might include personal information in the emails, obtained from other sources, in an attempt to appear legitimate. • These emails may also include a “cancel subscript...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Instructions Matter

    BILL LANES, Whitehall Assembly of God|Jul 9, 2025

    I’m a “Jack-of-all-trades guy,” or at least attempt to fix or take on projects often, sometimes out of the wish to save money, or even to assist other people. One of my favorite resources is YouTube, where you can find a “how-to” tutorial on almost anything. Sometimes these videos are beneficial, and other times I learn little; it just depends on the presenter. At other times, I rely on instructions, but I’ll admit that there are days when I skip over reading them, dive into the task, fail to understand how something works, and then return...

  • Jefferson County Sheriffs Report: Week of 6/29/2025

    JEFFERSON COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT|Jul 9, 2025

    SUNDAY, JUNE 29 00:32:54 Suspicious: Yellowstone Trl 07:53:21 Traffic Stop: Hwy 359 08:02:52 Traffic Stop: Hwy 359 11:24:55 Traffic Stop: Whitehall/Legion 12:12:51 Vehicle Accident (Non-Injury): W Legion St 15:32:47 Traffic Stop: Cardwell Fishing Access 17:05:30 911: I-90 17:14:46 Traffic Hazard: I-90 17:33:18 Motorist Assist 18:16:44 Traffic Stop: Hwy 2 W 18:41:10 Medical: Stanley St 18:51:49 Hazmat: I-90 19:06:24 Neighbor Dispute: Hwy 55 19:11:21 Stranded Motorist: I-90 19:39:56 Medical:...

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