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, 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...
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Montana Department of Justice, in conjunction with local law enforcement, have identified an alarming number of fatal overdoses across the state in the last two weeks. In the period from May 22 to June 1, there have been at least 8 fatal overdoses, likely due to opioids. These fatalities occurred in Cascade, Custer, Gallatin, Lake, Lewis and Clark, and Yellowstone counties and involved individuals aged 24 to 60 years old. “These tragic events serve as another reminder of the d...
Dear Editor, Is there anybody out there…just nod if you can hear me. (P.F.) Entering Whitehall from the east “looms” a message. An affirmation of hate and barbarism. The shameful battle cry of America’s spiritually worn and morally lost. And an ominous epitaph cut into the tombstone of its victims. “Guns. Guns. Guns.” The false God of godless America. “The Gun God” is worshipped like the golden calf in the wilderness by those drunk with addiction and pathological ignorance of the truth. “Guns. Guns. Guns.” The #1 cause of death for children,...
Dear Jo, I went to a fair this weekend, the Renaissance Faire. Well, to say it was a bit of a culture shock would be an understatement. I am beginning to feel like we are a bit isolated from different cultures in our little town. I saw women and men who had the most fantastic outfits on. Some had on Viking outfits, warrior outfits, mythical creatures, and even a Little Bo Peep! It was amazing to see all the vendors, what they sold, and what they wore. I know some people think it is weird to dress up and go to these. I loved it! The people were...
After one of the most successful Black Tie and Blue Jeans events perhaps ever held, the Whitehall Chamber is pleased to announce one part of the event’s objectives. The event has always had two main objectives: the first is to acquire funds for community-wide enrichment events such as Frontier Days, the Fall Festival, the Christmas Stroll, and the Easter Egg Hunt. The second is to provide funds for grants that in conjunction with the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation will be available to area non-profit organizations to enhance their s...
Dear Jo, Ugh! My sister is so protective of all of her things! She literally hates it when I snag a couple of pieces of popcorn! You are not allowed to touch her cards during a game and don’t even dream of taking a drink of anything that is hers! I, on the other hand, have very few protective instincts. It can cause some issues. How do I get my sister to relax her boundaries just a hair? Signed, Loves Sharing Dear Sharing, Leave your sister’s stuff alone! If I was her, I would have to give you a good butt-kicking! Signed, Jo ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dea...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County Voters, As you mark your ballots for Jefferson County Commissioner if you are uncertain which candidate to vote for, please consider the following: · Dan Hagerty is a Veteran. · Dan Hagerty has served his community selflessly in community service. · Dan Hagerty has an original agenda of intelligent items that will benefit the county in sincere thoughtful ways. · Dan Hagerty is and has only been interested in being a County Commissioner. He understands the importance of the commissioner’s role and has not sough...
Who is Jon Goff? Of course, I am playing off the opening line, "Who is John Galt?" from Ayn Rand's novel Atlas Shrugged which serves as an expression of helplessness and despair at the current state of the novel's fictionalized world. John Galt is a character in the novel from 1957. Unlike John Galt, I am not a philosopher or an inventor. Although like him, I too believe in the power and glory of the human mind (meaning that we are fully capable of creating the future we want particularly when i...
Dear Jo, What do you do when someone comments on the job you are doing while knowing nothing of the work and effort that goes into it? I do sales and there is always someone who feels the need to comment on my prices, my advertising, and how I handle the sale. It is never the person who does similar selling, but the person who knows nothing about your business and yet feels entitled to comment on how you run it. What is the best way to respond? Signed, Tired and Frustrated Dear Tired, No matter what you do, whether good or bad, there will...
Black Tie and Blue Jeans is here! Whitehall's premier social and most enjoyable event is here, this Saturday, May 21. The eighteenth annual event, a joint event of the Whitehall Chamber and the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation will be held at the Copper K Barn with doors opening at 5:30 PM. This year's theme is Red, White, and Blue: Wear your Boots, Get Back to Your Roots! Following a social time to visit with friends and neighbors, a delicious grilled ribeye dinner will begin at 7:00 PM....
Dear Jo, I just want to be me. That does not seem like it should be difficult for someone to accept. I am really fun (just ask me), intelligent, thoughtful and maybe a bit crazy. I like to be outdoors, like art, and exploring. Why is it that people just have to point out what they feel you need to change? We are all unique, thankGod. How do I tell people that I like myself just as I am and do not need any “pointers” on how to live a better or different life in their opinion? Signed, Just Right Dear Right, Two options. First one, tell them to...
Dear Editor, It is certainly true that individuals and institutions are going through difficult budget stretching times. It is definitely a time to prioritize and support those parts of our lives important to ourselves, our families, and our community. Certainly, the Whitehall Community Library is definitely one of the most essential parts of our community! There are some essential facts that are definitely true about our hometown library: the library and Whitehall Schools have a close, cooperative, friendly, working relationship. The library...
Dear Jo, Well, happy doggone spring! The sun is finally out. There are actually green areas in the grass. Baby calves and lambs are everywhere. People should have that spring smile on their faces....shouldn’t they? But noooooooo, all I seem to encounter are grumpy, disgruntled folks. People seem to be crabby, complaining about silly things, and just generally unhappy. What happened to the smiles, comments on the beautiful sun, excitement about starting gardens, etc...? Signed, In Spring Shock Dear Spring, You get out there and spread spring che...
Dear Jo, Do you have someone in your life who is always there to help you? My friend is so amazing. She just takes control of what needs to be done and goes at it. I benefit from the amazing way she just takes on anything and breaks it down into manageable pieces. Sometimes, however, it feels too fast and too much for me. I need to process one step at a time and she just powers through. Do I ask her to slow down and let me process? Signed, A Bit Behind Dear Behind, Send up a prayer of thanks for an Amazon of a friend and you do you. Signed, Jo...
Dear Jo, This past weekend was Easter. I have always grown up in church. I have friends who are agnostic, Mormon, Pagan - the gamut. I love them all and respect them. The problem lies in whether or not I can date someone with a different belief system than myself. Not just a different belief system, but one that directly contradicts my basic beliefs. Is it a futile effort to even try? Signed, Praying for Clarity Dear Praying, Oooh boy! That, my friend, is a question only you can answer. Just be true to yourself. Signed, Jo Dear Jo, Boy oh boy,...
Dear Jo, I am dating a beautiful woman. She is the whole package: beautiful, intelligent, fun. We share so many interests and every time we are together, it is better than the last time. Why am I writing? Well, the other day was a warm and sunny one. We went out for lunch and a walk. She wore sandals...her feet were so bad. She has scaly, yellow toenails. Her feet look like I could carve a pound of dead skin off each one. Her toenails look like weapons! That is all bad enough, but it gets worse. She had thick, grayscales between her toes! What...
Save the Date! Save the Date! SAVE THE DATE! One of The Whitehall community's most exciting events is fast approaching! The Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and Jefferson Valley Community Foundation are truly pleased to invite the entire community to the Eighteenth Annual Black Tie and Blue Jeans Dinner and Auction. This event is open to all and will be held May 21, 2022 at 5:30 PM. The theme this year will be, "Wear your Boots, Get Back to Your Roots." Because of tremendous enthusiasm from last...
Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Adam Meier announced that Montanans eligible for food and cash assistance can now make purchases online through Walmart.com as part of a federal nationwide initiative to increase access. “We are excited to be able to offer this convenient method of shopping to Montana families,” Meier said. “While Walmart is our initial launch, we will work on expanding this program with additional online retailers in the future.” Thousands of households receive benefits through the Supplem...
Dear Jo, Have you ever caught yourself doing something and then were horrified at the thought someone would find it gross, weird, etc? I have done so several times in the last few months. For example, eating with my head down like I am starving, comfortably farting or itching my butt on the way to the bathroom. I have been alone too long. What if I did any of those things (or the worse ones I will not be writing about!) in public because I have become too comfortable?! How the heck do I make sure that never, ever happens? Signed, Disgusted...
Dear Jo, Do you ever feel like you missed becoming something amazing? I sometimes feel like I knew when I was young what I wanted to do, at least what area of education I would love. Life and decisions changed that course. Sometimes I am filled with regret at what might have been. I love my life, but feel like I could have been and done so much more. How can I reconcile myself with what I can achieve with the time left? Signed, Hopeful Dear Hopeful, There is no going back. Don’t just reconcile what you want to do with the time you have left! Em...
Dear Editor, Good news! The project to do restoration of the Whitehall Murals is continuing! The first mural to be restored will be the mural located at the Jefferson Fresh Foods. As I’m sure you can imagine there are significant costs to restore that specific mural. In order to facilitate financial contributions to the mural restoration, the Whitehall Chamber has reached a fiscal sponsorship agreement with the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation. This structure creates an opportunity for those who would like to support the mural r...
Dear Jo, How do you feel about people sharing your food? How about your drink? My aunt is always taking bites of my food, a sip of my drink. I don’t want to be a picky or a germophobic person, but I wonder where her hands and lips have been before they partake of my goodies. How do I tell her in a way she will not be offended that I wish she would keep her saliva to herself? Signed, I Spit You Not Dear Spit, The best way is the honest way. “Keep your drool and your germy hands off my food!” is a good place to start!! Let me know how it goes....
Dear Jo, My husband, who is in his 60s, wears a baseball cap all day, every day, to hide a bald spot on the back of his head. He has worn that same dirty cap for two years and even wears it to work. He wears it in the house and only removes it when he is sleeping. I have suggested he wash it or replace it, but he refuses and he makes a tsk-tsk noise when I tell him I don’t think it’s healthy to wear something filthy on your head for two years. Signed, Disgusted with the Dingy Hat Dear Disgusted, Well, I see two options. First, you can do a nig...
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...
