Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 1/16/1997

January 16, 1997

A sharply divided Whitehall Town Council with a 4-3 vote approved a water rate increase for town businesses and residents during the council meeting on January 13. The vote, which followed a lengthy and oftentimes bitter hearing and debate, helped solidify the future of the Whitehall water improvement project and moved the project a major step toward final completion.

Amid allegations that the council’s actions on the water rate increase were illegal and discriminatory, and after a brief scuffle between Whitehall Town Marshall Topper Giono and a meeting participant, the council action paved the way for continued installation of water meters, interim and final water rate increases and expected completion of the project later in 1997. An overflow crowd of about 60 Whitehall residents participated in the public hearing which preceded the vote, and several questioned various aspects of the project.

The state Public Service Commission tentatively decided Tuesday to expand the local calling areas of eight regions of the state served by US West Communications pending issuance of a final order. Long-distance rates would no longer be charged for calls to Butte, Anaconda, Warm Springs, and Deer Lodge, but the basic phone rates would increase.

Trojan Educator of the Week was Al Anderson because of the “great job” he has done in bringing new technology to the forefront at the high school. As a librarian and English teacher, Anderson also is involved in the Advanced Placement English program. His hobbies include skiing, canoeing, and log home building. Anderson and his wife have three children.

Trojan Student of the Week was junior Chandra Hacker. Chandra is the daughter of Beady and Gregg Hacker and was nominated by U.S. history teacher Terry Kelly. Chandra’s hobbies include band, reading, and music. She hopes to attend college and become a history teacher.

Trojan Athlete of the Week was Terra Reiff. Terra is the daughter of Carol Ann and Terry Reiff and was nominated by volleyball coach Brent Mabbott. A senior at Whitehall High School, Terra had a stunning 75 assists in weekend volleyball matches in Big Timber. Her favorite hobbies are sports, band, and drama. She hopes to become a pediatrics nurse.