Ledger Looking Back 25 Years: 8/19/1998

August 19, 1998

Two suspects were charged with burglary in connection with the break-in of Jefferson River Auto Repair on January 16, 1998. Alan Wehner, who according to Jefferson County Attorney Valerie Wilson was also charged with burglary in Madison County, and Bryan Buchholz, who was being held in North Dakota on other charges, were both charged on August 11. Wehner was charged with burglary by accountability, a felony, theft (possession of stolen property), and a misdemeanor. Buchholz was charged with burglary. The two were charged with stealing two car batteries, $300 cash, and a .32 Beretta pistol. The glass door of Jefferson River Auto Repair was shattered on Jan. 16 by a large piece of firewood, and merchandise, cash, and a firearm were reported stolen.

An opinion by the Montana Attorney General has determined that Jack Morris may continue to serve as Whitehall Town Attorney until - or unless - a replacement was named by the mayor and confirmed by the town council. Montana Attorney General Joe Mazurek issued the opinion on August 12, and it carries the weight of law unless a court were to overturn the ruling or the Legislature modified the laws involved. The opinion would appear to settle a controversy that erupted during the February 9, 1998 council meeting when Whitehall Mayor Dale Davis sought to terminate Morris as town attorney and appoint Leonard Haxby to the position. The council rejected the nomination of Haxby, and the meeting adjourned amidst uncertainty about who was or wasn't the town attorney.

Whitehall Reader of the Week was 7-year-old Kelley Wanner, who was starting second grade. Kelley said, "I like to learn about things in books. And it's a lot of fun." She also enjoys books about bunnies and dinosaurs. Kelley reads at least 10 books a week and said, "My mom and dad have quite a few books at home, but I have more than them."