Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) officials report that nearly one in three Montanans aged 65 and older have reported falling at least once in the last 12 months. “Falling is not a normal part of aging, but knowing a person’s risk factors can reduce the chance of an unintentional fall.” DPHHS Falls Prevention Program Manager Melissa Dale said. “As a person ages, they are at an increased risk for falling and sustaining an injury.” National Falls Prevention Week is September 18-24. Dale notes that almost half (48%) of the fa...
It was suggested that I could strengthen the logic of my last article, "To Record or Not to Record; Is that the Question?" which remains available at https://montanadecides.substack.com if you have not read it, by building on the principle that greater transparency helps to ensure accountability. The reason? It is in the individual's self-interest to have more information about issues that are relevant to them and serves the common good to have more people who are better informed. A great sugges...
Thomas Jefferson wrote in a letter on January 8, 1789, “that wherever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” Jefferson’s intent was that if citizens were well informed, they could have the information needed to adequately participate in their government. It is, after all, our responsibility. This sentiment coincides with Article II, Section 9 of the Montana State Constitution which declares, “No person shall be deprived of the right to examine documen...
State and local public health officials are reporting the season’s first West Nile virus (WNV) detections in positive mosquito samples in Dawson and Lewis and Clark counties. The first horse infected with WNV this season was also confirmed earlier this week in Lewis and Clark County. To date, no human cases of WNV have been identified this season. Increased risk of WNV infection in humans and horses is expected to continue through at least October. The detection of WNV in mosquitoes and horses is an early warning that Montanans are at an i...
Dear Jo, I enter my address into Google Earth and I can see my house perfectly. But when I go outside, I can’t see myself - I can see the cars on Google Earth but not myself! I’ve even gone out with my laptop and tried to reflect something shiny up into the sky so that it can read my location. I don’t understand! Does this mean I don’t exist? Questioning Google Dear Questioning, While Google maps tell us where things are, it definitely doesn’t tell us whether or not WE exist! Of course, you exist! You are using the app correctly, but not reali...
Governor Greg Gianforte and Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton announced an $18 million investment to fund 31 child care innovation grants across the state. “For too long, Montana’s working families faced a shortage of child care providers, putting them between a rock and a hard place,” Gov. Gianforte said. “To increase access to sustainable, quality child care and address this longstanding problem, we’re investing in quality providers who operate in child care deserts throughout our state.” R...
As the summer continues on, so does the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce's mural restoration/renewal project. The first mural to be replaced is located on the south side of Jefferson Fresh Foods. Artist Kit Mather has been working hard and conscientiously to finish and her results and work are completely spectacular. As with any project, there will be ongoing costs for the Whitehall Chamber-sponsored project. Most expenses have thus far been covered by generous grants from the Jefferson Valley...
The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation is calling all area non-profits. The opportunity to apply for monetary grants is fast approaching. As in past years, the Whitehall Community Library under the direction of Library Director Jeannie Ferriss will direct a grant class for those wishing to enter the grant cycle for the JVCF organization’s grant awards. The Grant Workshop will be held on August 20 from 10 AM until noon. Those unable to make the grant writing class may pick up grant applications at the library. All applicants are reminded t...
Dear Jo, I was just daydreaming and thinking a lot today. I was thinking about how crazy it is that a person has walked on the moon and on Mars. Do you think a person will ever walk on the sun? I know it’s really hot but I am thinking if they went in the wintertime when the sun is only like 30 degrees they could probably do it. What do you think? Sunny Daydreamin’ Dear Sunny, Hmmmmmmm...maybe we need to revisit our basic knowledge of science and the universe. While life on Earth would not exist without our huge hot glowing ball of gas, lif...
I have long been known to have pet peeves about the debris hikers drop along trails, but one piece of litter has become more annoying: the ubiquitous facial tissue. A used tissue lying boldly in the middle of the path could indicate a person who does not know better. But a tissue stashed under a rock demonstrates that somebody knows it should be carried out, and is attempting to hide the evidence. While wearily picking up the umpteenth piece of used paper along a trail recently, I had to wonder why hikers don’t use handkerchiefs, or that i...
Dear Jo, I was brought up in a fairly strict household, but ever since I moved out of my father’s house, I have progressively gotten better! The further I distance myself from said household, both geographically and spiritually, the more my status as the black sheep of the family appeals to me. I don’t mean to completely cut off any part of my family, but is it wrong to enjoy the hell out of my chosen identity?! The Black One Dear Black Sheep, Listen to your inner wooly voice! You know what is right and what is baaaaaad for yourself! Sig...
Dear Jo, It is hot, hot, hot! I have sweat in places I cannot mention. I never thought I would say this, but I am thinking of trying those new deodorant products for private areas. I actually saw one that is called “Lionbutter!” What?! I keep seeing the commercials (which I have laughed at, by the way). Have you tried these products? Do you know if they work? Signed, Sweaty and Hating It Dear Sweaty, No, I have not tried those particular products. I think their sales must be skyrocketing though. I have made use of every fan in Jefferson cou...
The Bill Baycroft & Bob Casagrande Memorial Rod Run, held Saturday, July 23 in Legion Park, brought in dozens of classic cars and trucks to Frontier Days. Al Johnson, the Rod Run coordinator, would like to thank all the participants for making the trip to the event, as well as the registration help from Jake Hart, Frank Padrotti, and Ed Curran. Thanks also go to the event sponsors: Al's Mobile Glass, Mountain West Car Quest, Whitehall Drug, Danny Johnson, Mike Tilleo Graphics, Veremier...
Dear Jo, This weekend I was invited to attend a baby shower for a coworker's daughter. Several other coworkers attended as well. None of us had actually met the daughter. When we were introduced to the daughter, we all congratulated her on her upcoming bundle of joy....only to be told she wasn’t pregnant YET. Not only was she not pregnant, but she also was not even trying to get pregnant. Our coworker told us her daughter was down in the dumps since so many of her friends were pregnant and having parties, so the mom threw this faux baby s...
Dear Jo, How can I, a vegan, convince my neighbors to stop BBQs? So far I am eight days into being a vegan and have never felt better! But with summer here, my neighbors are all having BBQs and enjoying each other's company...and I can’t be a part of it because I will revert to my old ways and devour that burger! How can I get them to stop it? Signed, I Have Limits!! Dear Limits, Let me see if I have this straight. You want an entire neighborhood to stop getting together because you don’t have the self-discipline to say no to a juicy, che...
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) has launched a new program to help persons with behavioral health conditions successfully quit tobacco products. “Many individuals with behavioral health conditions want to stop smoking but may face extra challenges in successfully quitting,” DPHHS Director Adam Meier said. “Through the new Behavioral Health Program, participants will have access to specially trained coaches and additional coaching calls to help them overcome these challenges.” DPHHS officials say, in Montana, tobacco...
Dear Jo, Well, it is summer. People run around in too little clothing, drive too fast and everywhere you go there are MORE people. I just want people to behave better. As a matter of fact, they could all stay home and make my day. Signed, Prefers Quiet Dear Quiet, For Heaven’s sake, get yourself together! Signed, Jo Dear Jo, Have you ever met someone that just looks all put together, every time you see them?! Seriously, I believe some women don’t have enough to do. How do you always have your hair perfect, your nails done, no wrinkles in you...
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier is encouraging child care providers to apply for Child Care Stabilization funds during the final application period July 1 – 31, 2022. The online application will go live on July 1 at childcare.mt.gov. DPHHS estimates there are about 350 child care providers still eligible to apply for this funding. “We encourage Montana eligible child care providers, who haven’t done so, to apply for stabilization funds in July,” Meier said. “Since this funding was first offered i...
Dear Jo, Have you ever listened to a song and had thoughts that you wish life could be that way? Movies make me feel the same way. I feel incredibly happy when the movie is happy, sad when the movie is sad...all the emotions. Am I naive to believe we should always be paying attention to the wonderful possibilities and be working for them in our own lives? I want all that romance, those amazing feelings. Tell me I am not crazy. Signed, Looking on the Bright Side Dear Looking, Heavens to Murgatroyd, girl, get those feet back on earth and your...
I moved to Wyoming a few years ago for its outdoor recreation, but I also liked the state’s history of championing equal rights for women. As early as 1869, it codified women’s voting rights, 50 years before the 19th Amendment did the same thing. Western women in the 19th century quickly proved their mettle, helping to build communities in rugged and isolated landscapes. But now, sadly, Wyoming has agreed to subjugate women. In March, Wyoming’s governor signed a “trigger bill” that would ban abortions in the state five days after the Supreme C...
All of the planets will be up in the night sky from the 16th of June at 4:35 AM through the 27th of June at 4:40 AM. When all the planets rise they will create an arc across the Eastern sky from 91 degrees on the 16th to 107 degrees on the 27th. The last time this happened was about 100 years ago and won’t happen again until 2041. On the 24th the planets will be visited by the waning crescent Moon halfway between Venus and Mars. The hardest planet to spot is Mercury because it stays low on the horizon and has a low magnitude. However, on the 2...
Dear Jo, I own a small business. I love my store and feel protective of my space, but I also feel like I am welcoming as well. A customer came in with their dog. I allow dogs, I love dogs, and I do feel there is the assumption customers will control their dogs. This customer came in and their dog peed on a sheepskin hide in my store. Yes, peed. The customer did NOTHING! He did not clean it up, did not offer to clean it up, and did not offer to pay for the damage. I was not in the store at the time or I may have been arrested. I am still angry...
This coming week (June 20-23 from 9 AM-noon) Cardwell Community Church is hosting a wonderful Vacation Bible School program planned for children ages 5-12. There will be incredible stories from the Bible, Singing Songs, Playing Games, having a snack, and participating in making fun stuff!!!! So, please come and join us for a Christ-Centered Vacation Bible School. Our theme is “Rescuing a Friend.” Your child will be part of a fun and educational program centered on Jesus. Learn why Jesus volunteered to come to earth and “rescue” us from a world...
It's hard to say whether politics are in my future since I never considered politics in my past, even the recent past, like the last three months. I've never had any interest in politics and still do not. I realize that's an odd statement to make considering my attempt to become a county commissioner. For me, it was never about entering politics. It was about getting behind the curtain of government to better understand it and then acting accordingly within constitutional confines and...
Dear Jo, I am always amazed by Montana. What a beautiful state! I moved here last winter. Is the weather always this volatile? It is hot one day, cold and rainy, even snowy, the next. I keep getting caught with the wrong clothing on! How the heck do I prepare for the weather around here?! Signed, Sun Burned and Shivering Dear Sun Burned, Always have layers, either on you or with you. It is prudent to carry some food and water in your vehicle at all times. Make sure your gas stays above half a tank. Binoculars should be in your car, just for...
