Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Another great Frontier Days is in the books. Thanks to all who participated. If you want to be more involved next year, reach out to Whitehall MT Events, the non-profit that hosts Frontier Days. Highlights included a fantastic Community BBQ, the Fire Department pancake breakfast that served over 600, lots of good vendors, a return of Keith Sayers and his motocross crew, a chance to see the newly renovated Star Theatre, a full car show, a great parade Saturday morning, the log sawing contest,...
August is a great month to celebrate life in Southwest Montana, ideal for mountain and water recreation. Sunny afternoons and cool nights beckon everyone outdoors and this is a great month for spotting wildlife. Rivers are prime for world-class fly fishing, tubing and rafting. At the same time, communities are hosting the last month of summer with Farmer’s Markets, rodeos, festivals and more. In WHITEHALL, the Jefferson River, which runs through Whitehall, is perfect for trout fishing and calm kayaking. For off-roading, head to the Pipestone A...
Dear Editor, Teddy Roosevelt is often known as one of the biggest supporters of conservation and protecting lands from overuse. During his presidency, he was able to protect many areas for future users. Since then, we as a country have done a fabulous job of setting aside lands for public use. I believe if President Roosevelt were to see our public lands today, he would have some harsh words of criticism for what has happened to our public lands and how we have stewarded what he left behind for...
Dear Editor, The writer of last week's Op-Ed attacked Montana's STUPID laws regarding traffic cameras. I must respond. In my life, I have served as a member of the Montana Legislature a total of fourteen years. An area of greatest concern to me has always been protecting our citizens' right to privacy. Traffic cameras are an unacceptable invasion of that privacy. When you leave your home in the morning, where you go and what you do for the rest of the day is nobody's business but your own. Surve...
Dear Editor, The Koopmans came to America in 1910, in the steerage section of a ship headed for Ellis Island. Grandpa was a man of peace, seeking peace. He wanted no part of Prussian militarism and "the Kaiser's wars." So he packed up four kids and a wife, and three generations later, the Koopmans are still seeking peace, not war. I guess I have it in my blood. Pop would often say, "The Democrats are the war party." Even as a kid, that stuck in my head, and probably had a lot to do with me...
Dear Editor, THEY DID IT AGAIN!!! The play performed by the Whitehall Jr. Theatrics was FANTASTIC! Everyone knew their part, even little Linkyne! I can't believe she only rehearsed with the cast for two days! Another successful performance under the director's leadership. Each night was a little different from the night before but still quite funny. I definitely do not want to be a college entrance interviewer. I could get puked on, hit on, or bitten, among other things- a very dangerous job....
You cannot use someone else’s map to find yourself. Maybe your garden isn’t growing because every time a flower grows, you cut it to prove to someone you’re a gardener. Both fear and faith ask you to believe in something you can’t see; you choose. Maybe “forever” was a word meant for memories, not people. The meaning of life is to give life meaning. If you’re persistent, you’ll get it. If you’re consistent, you’ll keep it. If you’re grateful, you’ll attract more of it. I know it’s heavy, but it will pass. I also know it will pass, but it’s he...
Between the Fireman's Breakfast, parade entries, the dunk tank, duck races, and a boot full of raffles, the Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department had a busy weekend, in addition to lightning in the mountains. Raffle winners: Mike Price (gun), Kari Solyst (blackstone), Zander Heit (quilt by Amy French), Andrews (kayak)....
For 250 years, our nation has stood as a beacon of freedom-not because prosperity was guaranteed, but because generations before us were willing to work hard, sacrifice, and leave something better for their children than they inherited. As we continue to celebrate America's 250th birthday, that responsibility now belongs to us. When I was appointed to serve in the Montana Legislature, I understood that my responsibility was simple: represent the people of this district with integrity, listen bef...
Guess what Montana is really good at. Amongst the best in the world. Just behind Cuba, Rwanda, and Turkmenistan. Any idea? Locking people up. Yep. Montana's incarceration rate is not just one of the highest in the United States. It's one of the highest in the world. Roughly 758 people per 100,000 population. Locked up. If Montana were a country, its incarceration rate would be higher than any democracy. Think of the cost. Take a minute. Really think about it. Roughly $50,000 to $60,000 per...
The cast performed this hilarious comedy, a fundraiser for their trip to the Montana Thespian Festival in February, during Frontier Days....
The last two months have flown by at rocket speed here at the Whitehall Community Library (110 W First St - Whitehall)! Summer Reading ends on July 30th with our big end-of-summer party at 9:30 AM for preschoolers and younger, then 10:30 AM for everyone older. The store will be set up in the basement, with ice cream and toppings, and crafts for all. Please bring your reading log to go to the store. We will be feeding lunch one more day, on July 31, then the lunch program ends for the summer. We...
The economy may improve at the Golden Sunlight Mine. More layoffs will be coming soon, but a new drilling program will seek to identify additional gold reserves. WHITEHALL ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Bill Murphy. Bill Murphy of Cardwell, a high school history teacher in Harrison, took first place in saddle bronc competition at the Whitehall Frontier Days NRA Rodeo. Billy, who also coaches junior high girls' basketball and assists with boys' basketball in Harrison, recently won the saddle bronc event...
Montana Farmers Union, one of the state’s largest and most influential agricultural organizations, has endorsed I-194, The Montana Plan, adding the voices of thousands of family farmers and ranchers to the growing bipartisan coalition supporting the initiative ahead of the November 2026 election. The endorsement reflects a shared belief that Montana elections should be accountable to the people who live and work here—not to corporations, wealthy special interests, or dark-money groups that can spend millions while hiding the sources of the...
Carol (Randich) Graham, 86, of Whitehall, Montana, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 14, 2026, with her beloved dog and her daughter by her side. Carol was born on December 24, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Mario and Angelian (Sermiack) Randich. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Kathy (Randich) Godin; and the love of her life, her husband, Charles Robert Graham. While Carol enjoyed many chapters throughout her life, the work that meant the most to her was...
Ella Rae Cole played on the Main Street Green; Rob Quist got the crowd dancing; and the Thursday 4-H Street dance was a hit....
Montana's Department of Environmental Quality declared the Big Hole River environmentally impaired early this month, which may be problematic for swimmers and anglers planning to enjoy the county's namesake waterway. Brian Wheeler, a program director at the water monitoring nonprofit Save Wild Trout, said the issue in the Big Hole, a key Jefferson River tributary, is eutrophication, meaning that it's over-enriched with nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, causing large algal blooms. When...
SAWIN: The Frontier Log Sawing Contest will hopefully become an annual tradition, as it brought all the fun with a Calcutta, a competition, and lots of laughs....
The Bill Baycroft Memorial Rod Run, in memory of Bob Casagrande, was held on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Legion Park during Frontier Days. The run, once again chaired by Al Johnson, was a huge success with 96 registered cars, trucks, and rat rods! Bill Baycroft Award: Lynette Tingler 57 Ford Thunderbird Bob Casagrande Award: Sonny Adams 73 Chevy Nova Parts City Award: Terry Thomas 32 Ford Hiboy Outstanding Use of Color: Larry Mankins 37 Plymouth Coupe (sponsored by Cope & Hody Autoworks) Long...
Rural mental health matters. Montana Farmers Union invites you to experience Serenity in the Storm with acclaimed musician and speaker Jason DeShaw in Whitehall at the historic Whitehall Star Theatre on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 6 PM. Montana Farmers Union invites you to partner with us and join in for a meaningful and impactful event series coming to communities across Montana this September. This inspiring event combines live music, personal storytelling, and meaningful conversations...
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), "Outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, meningitis, and yellow fever are rising globally, and diseases like diphtheria, that have long been held at bay or virtually disappeared in many countries, are at risk of re-emerging." However, we have many vaccines/immunizations available at our fingertips locally. Ways to Get Low or No Cost Immunizations: 1. Vaccines for Children Program (VFC). You can reach out to local clinics...
For only the second time in history, the American Red Cross has declared a national blood crisis — and patients may already be feeling the impact. Donors are asked to act immediately to help save lives. Blood donations have fallen to a four-year summer low, worsening this season’s emergency blood shortage. All blood types are needed, but the situation is especially dire for type O blood as the Red Cross is now limiting distributions of these blood products to hospitals. The supply of type O positive blood has now dropped below a one-day sup...
Millions of people can trace their heritage to Spain or another Spanish-speaking country. The customs unique to Hispanic countries contribute to the rich tapestry of many local neighborhoods, and food is one of the easiest ways people share their heritage with others. Recipes may be passed down through generations and serve to bring people together. Polvorones are a traditional Spanish shortbread made with a few simple ingredients. While they are especially popular during the holiday season,...
GEORGIA, I have a question. Am I wrong for refusing to babysit ever again after my brother’s wife charged me for dinner? A bit of history... For the last two years, I’ve babysat my brother’s three kids (3, 6, and 8) completely free, twice a month, so he and his wife can have their date nights. I’ve never asked for a dime. They’re family, and I love those kids. Last weekend they asked me to take them from Saturday afternoon to Sunday morning, as they wanted a night away. I gave up my whole weekend just to help and spend time with the kids. The...
