Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Dear Jo, Have you ever met someone, liked them immediately only to find out they really don’t like you, which hurts your feelings? I know, I know, leave it be. Walk away. Why does it matter? Well, I am sometimes too sensitive of a person. How do I come to terms that not everyone has to like me? I have always felt like this, hurt if someone does not like or agree with me. Help! Signed, Cares Too Much Dear Cares, I can relate, but LET THAT $#%& GO!!! There is nothing to be gained by letting how others feel about you determine how you feel a...
Dear Jo, I hope this reaches you in time for this week’s paper because I need advice! It is cold, really cold. As a matter of fact, it is booger freezing weather. I hate it when it gets this cold. I always get that horrible frozen booger feeling in my nose and it seems like I am always around people when that happens. How can you pick ‘em and flick ‘em when people are there?! I know, it sounds gross, but it is a serious booger issue when you have to try to find a way to get frozen, hair-pulling boogers out of your nose and try to be polit...
Fish Hawk Campground at Canyon Ferry Reservoir is closed until further notice. Reclamation issued a press release in October 2021 after continued misuse occurred at the campground last summer and fall. Large amounts of garbage were recently dumped at Fish Hawk Campground and visitors have continually left behind trash that led to the decision to temporarily close the site. Reclamation is proud to manage Canyon Ferry’s public federal lands, that belong to the American people, and exist for the benefit of all, and will release another notice w...
Dear Jo, I have a 7-year old daughter, Bea. We live two houses over from her best friend, Stacey. The two girls go to school together and stay over at each other’s houses. Stacy’s parents recently got a pet fox. I wasn’t worried at first, but now I’m not so sure. The fox isn’t violent or anything, but almost every time she comes back from their house, Bea tells some hilarious, giggling story about how the fox stole food, or the TV remote, or something else, and ran around the house holding it in his mouth or trying to bury it somewhere. Last ev...
Dear Jo, I used to be one of those people who kept their house so clean. Like, really REALLY clean. Everything in its place, floors swept daily, etc. Now, I can put up with a mess until I realize someone else is going to see it. Then, it’s like a light goes on in my head, I realize how bad it looks, and I wonder what the HECK I have been doing! What is going on?! How can I motivate myself to get back to my old self? I WANT to do better. I love when my house is all clean, but I feel unmotivated. UGH! Signed, Dusty Dear Dusty, Girl, the only t...
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen and Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services Director Adam Meier issued an advisory today to clarify the current status of, and Montanans’ rights and obligations, under the Parental Notification of Abortion Act of 2011. Montana Code books reflect that House Bill 391 (2013) repealed portions of this law. However, the Montana Code doesn’t account for court decisions, and these provisions are in fact current law. The Parental Notification of Abortion Act, which was approved by more than 70%...
Dear Jo, I need your thoughts about a good friend who, at the end of the month of my birthday or the first week of the next one, hits me with a birthday card. Then she says she doesn’t know my exact birth date but at least she remembers the month and, therefore, I should be thankful. Four years later, I am tempted to tell her if it’s not important enough to remember the day, then why bother? Am I wrong for feeling this way, or should I just be thankful she at least remembers the month? Sincerely, Birthday Girl Dear Birthday Girl, A little fin...
Dear Editor, Dan Haggerty for County Commissioner! We as concerned citizens are always looking for honest, conscientious representation. People who want to be involved in public service and want to do it truly for public service are few and far between. Dan Haggerty is that person. Dan represented and protected all of Jefferson County for years and established a reputation as a person who really cared about the people he served and protected. Dan served for years in a dangerous and thankless job; a job whereas Deputy Sheriff obviously he did...
Dear Jo, People always say follow your dreams. Well, how do you know what your dream is? How can people be so confident about what they want to do and have? Am I the only one who still (in my fifties) is not 100% sure of what my dream is? Signed, Dreamin’ Dear Dreamin’, You cannot look at what others do and apply it to yourself. Your journey is, well, yours. Embrace your life, your experiences, all that is uniquely you. Signed, Jo Dear Jo, I keep hearing that this is the end of times. The world is entering the period of Revelation. After the...
Dear Jo, I have heard a lot of people complaining and/or asking about what to do about receiving thank-you acknowledgments. Here is the other side of that dilemma. What does one do when receiving gifts that for whatever reason are unfortunate picks for the receiver? I feel as if I’m lying when I say “thank you.” I’ve tried not sending a thank you, but that felt icky and did not work. Signed, You Shouldn’t Have Dear Shouldn’t Have, Always be gracious and kind. Send the thank you, it really is the thought that counts. Signed, Jo Dear Jo, I am tr...
Dear Jo, All the New Year resolutions are everywhere! Every time I turn around I see another message meant to inspire, enlighten or encourage me. Am I the only one who is already sick of the unasked for advice?! I feel like screaming when I see “drink more water.” Seriously, is it not a basic human instinct to drink water? We need it to survive after all! Here’s another one…. ”go to bed early and wake early”….said no fun person ever! “Move more, sit less.” Dear Lord, I have been hearing that since I tried to fit into my sister's prom dress at 1...
Governor Greg Gianforte and Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier announced today that Montana No Kid Hungry (NKH) has awarded a total of $150,980 through grants to 11 local organizations across the state to support food access and nutrition projects. “Strengthening the local food system will help improve access to healthy and local food, support Montana’s farmers and producers, and provide a boost to the economy,” Governor Gianforte said. Montana No Kid Hungry is a public-private partnership between DPHHS...
Dear Jo, Happy New Year! I wish I could say that I had a lot of hope for the new year. I am bummed already. I cannot seem to get my act together. What really does this year have to offer me?! I have not had any luck in so many years, I just don’t even hope for it anymore. I have a home, food, family, it just is not enough. Signed, Bored and Bummed Dear Bored and Bummed, What does the new year hold for you? Three-hundred and sixty-five opportunities to quit feeling sorry for yourself, get off your ass, and make a life! Signed, Jo Dear Jo, I f...
I hope you’ve had a wonderful and safe holiday season thus far! Since 2021 has come to a close, I wanted to take a moment to round it out by sharing some of my highlights for the year. We’ve had quite a year here in the United States Senate, and all along I’ve been focused on delivering real results for Montanans. 1. The signing of my bipartisan infrastructure package into law.No surprise here, my top highlight is the bipartisan infrastructure package, which delivers urgently-needed investments to Montana that will support our small busin...
Dear Jo, Well, here we are. The holidays are almost over, the gift wrap is in the trash. I was so looking forward to relaxing, taking a deep breath. Why do I feel so wound up? I cannot settle down? I find myself pacing, thoughts racing with all that the year ahead holds. How can I relax and enjoy the downtime?! Signed, No Chillin Dear No Chillin, For heaven’s sake, you have me pacing! Take some melatonin, followed by a meditation podcast and end with a hot toddy and bed! Signed, Jo Dear Jo, The holidays make my spouse amorous. To the point t...
We are beginning our sixth year helping people read their Bibles cover-to-cover in one year. All you need is a Bible, a cell phone that receives text messages, and a desire to read your Bible. Here’s how it works: you phone me using the phone where you want the texts sent, and beginning January first, I will send you a text specifying what Bible passage to read that day along with points to notice in that passage. It’s free, and you can start or stop anytime you choose. Some people have started this just within the last few months, so they wil...
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced today an investment of $3.7 million over the next 18 months to provide a financial boost to over 1,300 Montana Medicaid recipients with significant medical needs. “This investment puts money back in the pockets of over 1,000 vulnerable Montanans with challenging health care needs,” Governor Greg Gianforte said. “This will not only help these individuals with their health care costs but will also ease everyday living expenses for those who need it most.” Montanans who w...
Dear Jo, I was in a relationship for five months; we broke up in September. Recently he came over with a box of gifts for my birthday and Christmas. I really appreciate the gesture, but it also makes me a little uncomfortable. I feel like I should buy him a gift, but I don’t want to encourage something I cannot reciprocate. What do you think I should do? Signed, Grateful, But Unsure Ex Dear Unsure Ex, I am assuming you are both adults. That being the case, he decided to purchase gifts. It is not your responsibility to “make things equal” or tr...
The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation has received grant funds from The Dennis and Phyllis Foundation by way of Montana Rail Link. The Jefferson Community Foundation is soliciting applications from area nonprofits for community service projects that could be greatly enhanced by additional funding. The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation has always tried to help and support nonprofit organizations that benefit the area we all call home. When we all are involved together in the improvement of our community, the community moves forward...
Dear Jo, I am just sick of ugly sweaters! I have actually seen some of my own sweaters on people at these dumb parties!! What the hell?! It is literally insulting. I wore one of my best, favorite sweaters just to show people how dumb this ugly sweater idea is and they gave me the award for the ugliest sweater! I am furious. How do I let my friends know that I was insulted at the party and am determined not to go again? Signed, No Ugly Sweater Dear Sweater, If you can’t beat ‘em, (and you can’t), join ‘em. You just wear your not ugly sweater and...
KEEGAN SMOUT Q: What's your favorite Christmas cookie? A: Ummmm...the Christmas tree ones (makes a Christmas tree shape with his hands) Q: How much does Santa weigh? A: 100 pounds. Q: Is that a lot or a little? A: A lot! (laughs) Q: How does Santa bring presents to your house? A: He uses his sleigh! Q: Does his sleigh have a fast engine? A: No (rolls eyes) it has reindeer! Q: Do you know their names? A: Comet and Prancer....that's it (with certainty) Q: How big is an elf? A: Ummmmm...small? Q:...
“The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is pleased that a federal court has issued an order granting a nationwide preliminary injunction against implementation of CMS’s vaccine mandate for health care workers, particularly in light of its legal shortcomings and the dire impact it would have on frontier states like Montana. With the court’s decision, House Bill 702, which makes discrimination on the basis of vaccination status unlawful, remains the law in Montana. Thus, Montana health care facilities cannot require staff to b...
One Jefferson High School student is dead and another is hospitalized after a crash between Clancy and Montana City on Monday night. Makinzy Rynearson-Gray, a 17-year-old senior at the school, died in the crash, according to Jefferson High School Superintendent Tim Norbeck, who confirmed the death in a phone call on Tuesday morning and said that additional counselors were at the school to help students and staff process the death. He said that the school notified parents of the death and the student’s name via email around 11 a.m. The school d...
Dear Editor, On November 10th and 11th, Cardwell and the Whitehall Schools presented the military Veterans of the surrounding area with multiple patriotic programs that were a salute to the military Veterans’ service. These patriotic presentations were incredible in their content and preparation! The children at Cardwell School were well-rehearsed and enthusiastic in their songs and poetry! The Veterans, parents, and families that were present were treated to a typical “Panther” show! At the end of the program, all the children presented the V...
Dear Jo, Are you competitive? I am!!! There is going to be a local Christmas light display contest and I want to win. Actually, I MUST win!!!! I find myself driving around town checking on who is decorating, and thinking to myself, “I will buy more lights, more tinsel, more yard displays and more, more, more!!!!” How can I stop before I put myself into debt or worse? Signed, Ready to Self Destruct! Dear Self Destruct, First, DO NOT self-destruct, or do anything that will be worse. You need to settle the heck down, take a few deep breaths and...
