Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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The Best Apps for Home Automation Home automation has never been easier—or more popular. You can control lights, thermostats, door locks, security cameras, and even appliances with a smartphone. But with so many apps, which are truly the best for managing your smart home? Here’s a quick guide to the top home automation apps that make life simpler, safer, and more comfortable. GOOGLE HOME: If you have Nest thermostats, Google smart speakers, or other compatible devices, Google Home is a top cho...
The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, located at 501 N Whitehall and at www.whitehallchamberofcommerce.com, is excited to announce the Chamber is upgrading their membership management system to a new and advanced software platform, courtesy of ChamberMate. “We believe this product will be a better fit for our organization and allow us to serve you better as our valued community members,” said Whitehall Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Chiara Schober. All of the data from our current system will be securely and seamlessly transferred from our...
How to Keep Your Smart Home Devices Secure In today’s connected world, smart home devices—like voice assistants, thermostats, doorbells, and security cameras—make life more convenient. But with convenience comes responsibility. These devices are connected to the internet, which means they can also be vulnerable to hackers if not properly secured. Fortunately, there are simple steps anyone can take to protect their smart home. Change Default Passwords Most smart devices come with a factory-set pa...
The Montana Board of Regents this month approved a series of increases to tuition rates for resident and non-resident students across the state’s university system, driven by the rising costs associated with higher education and recent adjustments to an employee pay plan adopted by the 2025 Legislature. Over the next two academic years, tuition for in-state and out-of-state students alike at Montana’s two flagship campuses — the University of Montana in Missoula and Montana State University in Bozeman — is slated to increase $432 per year ov...
The Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) will hold an evidentiary hearing starting on June 9, 2025 at the Commission’s offices in Helena, to consider NorthWestern Energy’s request to increase electric and natural gas rates for Montana customers. The hearing is a key step in a rate case that has garnered significant public interest and participation from numerous intervening parties, including the Montana Consumer Counsel, Montana Large Customer Group, University of Montana, Northern Cheyenne Tribe, Walmart, Montana Environmental Inf...
The Benefits of Professional Home Theater Installation There's nothing quite like enjoying your favorite movie or sports game from the comfort of your home, especially when you have a home theater system that rivals the cinema. While it might be tempting to tackle the installation yourself, there are several good reasons to consider hiring a professional instead. From optimal audio-visual quality to peace of mind, a professional home theater installation can make all the difference. 1. Customize...
The WHS Class of 2025 will be graduating in less than a month! BUSINESSES: The Ledger will be putting together its keepsake Graduation Section. Is your business interested in running an ad of congratulations for this section? Please let the Whitehall Ledger know soon! The deadline for inclusion is May 26, 2025; the graduation section will run in the June 4th edition of the Ledger as well as be handed out at graduation. Congrats ads in this section are priced as follows: • Business card: $50 • Rectangle: $100 • 1/4 page: $150 SENIORS: Senio...
How to Choose the Right Smart TV for Your Home Choosing the perfect Smart TV can feel overwhelming with so many available options, but focusing on a few key factors can simplify decision-making. Here’s what you need to know to make the right choice for your home. 1. Screen Size and Resolution: Start by determining the right screen size based on the size of your room and how far you’ll be sitting from the TV. A 32-43-inch TV may suffice for small rooms, while larger living rooms can acc...
The WHS Class of 2025 will be graduating in less than a month! BUSINESSES: The Ledger will be putting together its keepsake Graduation Section. Is your business interested in running an ad of congratulations for this section? Please let the Whitehall Ledger know soon! The deadline for inclusion is May 26, 2025; the graduation section will run in the June 4th edition of the Ledger as well as be handed out at graduation. Congrats ads in this section are priced as follows: • Business card: $50 • Rectangle: $100 • 1/4 page: $150 SENIORS: Senio...
I recently had the privilege of joining Southwest Montana Tourism on a Familiarization (FAM) Tour-and it was incredible. Just when I think I've seen all Montana has to offer, I find something new to love. Our day began in Dillon with stops at the Tendoy Fine Art Gallery, Patagonia Outlet, The Bookstore, and Sweetwater Coffee. Each place highlighted the unique charm and creativity of our region. From there, we explored the preserved ghost town of Bannack State Park, a true step back in time. We...
DIY Computer Repairs: What You Can and Can't Do Computers have become essential in our daily lives in today's digital age. When they malfunction, the thought of costly repair bills can be daunting. Fortunately, some computer issues can be resolved at home with basic tools and patience. However, not every repair is safe or advisable for the average user. Here's a guide on what you can and can't do regarding DIY computer repairs. What You Can Do: Clean Your Computer: Dust buildup can cause...
Visionary Broadband has acquired Montana-based broadband provider MTWeb, expanding its service area and enhancing internet access for local communities. The acquisition expands Visionary's presence in Whitehall, where it recently completed a fiber build. The deal will bring upgraded internet to Twin Bridges, Pipestone, and Cardwell. Plans are in place to boost speeds, enhance reliability, and improve service for residents and businesses. Customers in Butte and Rocker will also benefit, as the...
The Latest Trends in Home Automation In recent years, home automation has evolved from a luxury to a practical upgrade for everyday living. Today’s smart homes go beyond simply turning lights on and off with your phone—they offer integrated solutions that enhance convenience, safety, and energy efficiency. As technology advances, here are some of the latest trends reshaping how we live at home. Voice-Controlled Everything: Voice assistants like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple’s Siri...
In today's world, we rely on electronics for everything - from communication and entertainment to work and daily convenience. But replacing phones, laptops, TVs, and tablets every few years can get expensive. The good news? A little care and a few smart habits can significantly extend the life of your devices. KEEP IT CLEAN: Dust is the enemy of electronics. It clogs vents, causes overheating, and can even damage internal parts. Remember to wipe your devices with a soft, dry cloth gently. For co...
There is a new venue to purchase beautiful potted flowers, herbs, outdoor furniture, shrubs, bedding plants, and more. Summit Valley Outdoor Living will open its greenhouse doors to the public at 613 MT Hwy 359 on May 1st, just a few miles past the turnoff for South Boulder Road. The property boasts a huge greenhouse surrounded by outdoor furniture, pergolas, cabins, and more. Daniel and Irene Miller moved from New York in September of 2024, putting down roots next to their children, who own...
Josephine Espinoza of Kristi's Kiddie Korner has been awarded a national Child Development Associate® (CDA) Credential™ from the Council of Professional Recognition in Washington, DC in recognition of outstanding work with young children and families. The Council recognizes and credentials early childhood education professionals who demonstrate an understanding of how the Council's nationally recognized CDA® Competency Standards can help teachers support young children's early care and l...
Staff at Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park are pleased to reopen the cave and the upper visitor center for the 2025 season starting May 1. In addition to tours of the cave, the park offers a variety of other recreational opportunities, including camping, trails, interpretive programs, a gift shop, café and much more. Cave tours will be offered May 1 through Sept. 30. All cave tour tickets will be reservable until the day of, and any unsold tickets will then become available on a first-come,...
The Pros and Cons of Smart Home Security Systems Smart home security systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering homeowners convenience, control, and peace of mind. These systems typically include features like doorbell cameras, motion detectors, smart locks, and mobile app integration. But while smart security has many benefits, it has drawbacks. Here's what you should know before investing. One of the biggest advantages of smart home security is real-time monitoring....
Upgrading Your Home Office: Essential Tech Tips In today's world, having a comfortable and efficient home office isn't just a luxury-it's a necessity. Whether you work remotely full-time or just need a reliable space for managing household affairs, a few smart upgrades can significantly boost your productivity and comfort. Here are some essential tech tips to elevate your home office setup. Invest in a Reliable Internet Connection: A fast and stable internet connection is the foundation of any...
This is one of a series of articles focusing on estate and legacy planning. Authors are Kaleena Miller, Madison-Jefferson County Extension Agent, kaleena.miller1@montana.edu; and Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension Family Economics Specialist, marsha.goetting@montana.edu. Summertime often is the occasion for family reunions. Those who are not present this year may remind us that we need to give some thought about whom we want to leave our assets to upon our death. Granted that may be a dreadful thought, but we must face reality. If we do not decide...
While I’m away at the Main Street Now 2025 conference in Philadelphia, I want to take a moment to share why this event is so important for Whitehall. This year’s theme, “A Healthy Main Street Movement,” couldn’t be more relevant to our community as we work to strengthen our businesses, preserve our history, and create a welcoming place for everyone. Main Streets are more than just roads and storefronts—they are the heart of our town. They bring people together, tell our community’s story, and fuel economic growth. This conference will focus on...
On Tuesday, April 1st, the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and the Montana Main Street Program held a Montana Main Street 101 session to reintroduce the program to our community. While attendance wasn't as strong as we had hoped, I'm incredibly grateful for those who came and engaged in meaningful discussions about Whitehall's future. Our Main Street program thrives on community involvement, and this conversation is just getting traction again. Whitehall has been a Montana Main Street Community...
How to Protect Your Kids Online In today’s digital world, kids are growing up with smartphones, tablets, and social media at their fingertips. While the internet offers valuable educational tools and entertainment, it also presents serious risks—like cyberbullying, inappropriate content, and online predators. As a parent, you don’t need to be a tech expert to help your kids stay safe online. A few simple steps can go a long way. Start with Conversations, Not Controls. The most important tool you...
At first glance, they might be confused for dog kibble, fire pellets, or little bundles of dirt – but Kami Noyes, a fifth-generation Montana rancher and fiber artist, is turning what many consider "waste wool" into a valuable, eco-friendly soil amendment. Through her company, Ranching Tradition Fiber, Noyes produces wool pellets, a natural fertilizer with significant environmental and agricultural benefits. Noyes, a past Montana Fibershed Board Member and organizer of the Copper K Fiber F...
Best Streaming Services for Your Home Theater In today’s digital age, building a great home theater isn’t just about the screen and sound system—it’s also about choosing the right streaming services. With so many options available, it can be hard to know where to start. Whether you’re into blockbuster movies, binge-worthy TV shows, or live sports, here’s a simple guide to the best streaming services to power your home entertainment setup. Netflix remains one of the most popular choices, of...
