Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: March 25, 1998

MARCH 25, 1998

Jefferson County, with a July 1997 estimated population of 9,878, was the second fastest growing county in Montana, according to statistics released by the U.S. Bureau Of Census. The figures, which cover a span from 1990 to 1997, show the population in Jefferson County grew 24.4 percent, second only to Ravalli County’s 38.2 percent. Madison County, with a population of 6,899, grew 15.2 percent over the same period. Of Montana’s 56 counties, Jefferson County is the 22nd most populated county, and Madison County is the 30th most populated.

A late-night fire on Tuesday, March 24, destroyed the historic railroad depot along Legion Avenue in Whitehall. The Whitehall Volunteer Fire Department responded to a call at approximately 11:30 P.M. and fought the fire until 4:45 A.M. Wednesday morning. There was no power or gas service to the depot, and one initial suspected cause of the fire is arson. A fire marshall from Butte inspected the fire scene on Wednesday. The depot was a historical landmark in Whitehall, and Whitehall entrepreneur Steve Warmoth had plans to restore and improve the depot.

Pegasus Gold Corporation has filed Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which means about $630.000 in taxes - eight percent of Jefferson County’s total property tax collections - won’t be paid in May. Pegasus Gold owns Tunnels, a large gold mine in the northern portion of Jefferson County. Montana Tunnels annually pays about $1.27 million in property taxes to local school districts, the county, and the state.

Whitehall Volunteers of the Month were Marsha and Neil Freman. Coach Mabbott and the Lady Trojan players express deep gratitude for everything Marsha and Neil do. Neil is an expert scout and spotter and Marsha excels at everything from statistics to travel arrangements and much more.

Whitehall Student of the Week was Courtney Johnson, a freshman. Mr. Petersen nominated Courtney for her work ethic, her quality work, and her genuine caring for other people. Courtney is the daughter of Marty and Tammy Johnson and enjoys shopping, latch hook, reading, bicycling, and woodworking. Courtney is looking at a career in food or decorating.

Whitehall Athletes of the Week were Kietra Mabbott, Heather Smith, and Melissa Loftus. The Whitehall Lady Trojans had a great year and so did Kietra (All-Conference, All-State), Heather (All-Conference, All-State), and Melissa (All-Conference).

 

Reader Comments(0)