Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Elections have consequences, and Jefferson County citizens can choose between two vastly different legislative candidates for HD 75. I've personally known Mark Reinschmidt for 35+ years. He's one of us; he grew up and has lived here nearly his entire life. His Christian principles, background, and experiences have shaped his approach to representation. He's a consummate entrepreneur and knows personally about the hard work, risk-taking, and commitment it takes to be in business and sign...
Aren’t people clever? Start by getting massive amounts of dark money from nonresident billionaires seeking to control Montana’s politics. Then run a ballot initiative that claims to control dark money influence in Montana. Bait and switch. Brilliant! Why, it’s enough to get you really cynical about politics… The dark money-funded I-194 signs and advertising are everywhere. It all sounds so doggone good. Too much dark money in politics, you say to yourself. Too much wealthy out-of-state influence. We need to do something about it. Maybe this wi...
Beef is expensive. Shoppers see it every time they walk past the meat counter. Washington has responded with a band-aid solution by opening the door to more imported beef. While that may provide some short-term appeal to consumers, it does nothing to address the underlying domestic supply problem that drove prices up in the first place. In fact, allowing more imported beef actually makes the problem worse in the long run because it artificially manipulates the supply and demand signals that...
“Dark money” is the buzzword of the moment in Montana politics. It is on activists’ lips, in fundraising mailers, and on signs and billboards along Montana highways. But “dark money” is more than a buzzword. It is becoming a political weapon—and providing cover for a hostile takeover of Montana politics. The takeover is not happening in secret. It is happening in plain sight. Some of the wealthiest people in America are spending millions trying to influence who represents Montanans. At the same time, they invoke the “dark money” mantra to portr...
Imagine the state legislature passes a law that says this: “A Montana driver’s license allows you to drive on all state roads—except not to church services. People can still go to church, but they have to walk or find other arrangements.” Would that law be constitutional? Or suppose a law says that a barber’s license allows you to cut hair, but you can’t talk politics in your barbershop. If you do, you lose your license. Would that be constitutional? Or suppose the legislature says a business may incorporate in Montana, but it can’t opera...
Dear Editor, The passage of the ballot initiative CI-132 is so important. CI-132 simply puts into the Montana Constitution that judges will remain non-partisan, as they have been for the last 90 years. It's that simple. Judges should not declare support for one political affiliation over the other, whether they are a candidate for Montana Supreme Court or a District Judge who will preside over civil cases, felonies, and probate. As our judges deal with everyday Montanans, we need to know they...
Dear Editor, Montanans are being bombarded with television and other political ads in this year’s congressional races. Voters should understand an important limitation of ballot initiative I-194: it would not stop much of the political spending we are seeing today. I-194 restricts political spending by certain “artificial persons,” including corporations, nonprofits, partnerships and trade associations. But the initiative expressly exempts political committees, and its restrictions are aimed at state and local political activity—not the federal...
Anatomically, horses' legs are essentially long fingers, which is why their hooves are made of keratin, like fingernails. If Godzilla attacked a city that isn't (near) yours, your life wouldn't change one bit. Just memes and news updates. If you’re wealthy enough, the lottery just becomes a low-yield investment opportunity. A nasal voice is when all the air passes through the mouth. A septic tank is one big bacterial battle for species supremacy. You can tell who is winning by the smell. Because of time dilation, your blood cells age more s...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you have some free time this week. Focus on social outings and keeping things light. Use the time to relax and recharge. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Tact may be required in the days ahead, Taurus. You have strong opinions about how to approach a situation, but present your views with kindness and express a willingness to be flexible. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, save up your energy for something fun instead of getting swept up in someone else’s drama. Patience is your best friend this week, even if it doesn’t always co...
The “church” has existed since approximately 33AD, following Christ’s resurrection on the Day of Pentecost as recorded in the book of Acts. Here we are 2000 years later, and the church is now worldwide and growing, fulfilling Christ’s words, “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it” (Matthew 16:18). Many are accustomed to referring to the “church” as a building or place of worship; however, the longer I have been a pastor, the more convicted I am that Jesus' love requires more. The church must be better understo...
GEORGIA, I have a question. I just want to run a scenario by you and see if I overreacted. I am 31. I had been chatting with a guy, 34, for about two weeks, and yesterday we finally met in person. The plan was an afternoon in Bozeman, walking downtown, starting with lunch at my favorite cafe. He was fine in person. We did the awkward half-hug, a little stiff, but nothing horrible. Normal first date stuff. We walked up to order, and he patted his pockets and said, “Ooh. I left my wallet in my car. Do you want to walk with me to get it?” Now...
Dear Editor, $6.00 a gallon for diesel??? By the time this goes to print, it will probably be higher. It is time to think about our elected officials. For what reasons were they elected? To represent us? Listen to our concerns? To do their job and hold the president accountable? Our Montana Congressmen and Senators are not doing any of these things! I am a Montana cattle rancher and have watched fuel prices skyrocket, fertilizer prices go through the roof, and now I am facing a $ 500-per-head re...
Dear Editor, As I've received and perused the many 8.5 x 11, glossy, card-stock political advertisements in my mailbox this summer, I've been both bemused and irritated by their content. Some of the copy sure "sounds" good. They all purport to be on my side, to be representing my interests, to want the things I want, to like the people and policies I "like" and to hate the people and policies I "hate." They all show pleasant faces and big smiles. They all use the "right words." They all promise...
Dear Editor, I am very proud to be a resident and citizen of Montana. Among the many examples of courage and principle that make this state great is its independent, nonpartisan judiciary. Let's keep it that way by voting yes on CI-132. In the 43 years I've lived, worked, or owned property in this state, raising my daughter here, I have come to admire many things about this state and its people, including Montanans' inclination to be fiercely independent in all matters. An established principle...
Dear Editor, The League of Women Voters of Montana, along with local Leagues in Billings, Bozeman, Helena, and Missoula, supports our democracy in multiple ways. As a nonpartisan organization, we do not endorse individual candidates or parties, but provide educational opportunities to the public on the candidates and issues, including ballot initiatives. One important source for information on candidates is our online Voter Guide, VOTE411.org, a one-stop shop where you can find nonpartisan,...
Dear Editor, Montana's small business owners work hard, create jobs, and build communities. They are also some of Montana's most likely to face litigation as they navigate the complexities of employment, contracts, partnerships, and insurance disputes. They need judges who are experienced, fair, and consistent in their application of the law. Montanans value fair, unbiased courts and judges who interpret our laws and constitution consistently and reliably. That's why we've elected our judges in...
In ancient times, when people first built upper floors, the wisest probably thought it was unreasonably dangerous. It took roughly 117 billion people about 300,000 years to bring technology to what it is today. Ever wonder if the rise of spreadsheet editors and word processing tools was viewed as catastrophically for white-collar workers as AI is right now? There should be a Shazam for perfumes. Today’s generation of children might be the first who can say their parents play more video games than they do. Using your mouth to make a fart sound i...
Serving as your state representative means staying engaged and working year-round, not just during the legislative session. Nearly every month, I have traveled to Helena to participate in the State Administration and Veterans' Affairs (SAVA) Interim Committee, helping ensure our state agencies and veterans' services are prepared for the 2027 legislative session. At the same time, I remain committed to listening to the people I represent. I am out knocking on doors and having conversations with...
I take issue with Jim Buterbaugh's recent Op-Ed, "What Are the Midterms Really About?" He sprinkled his negative tirade with hyperbolic and derogatory statements, name-calling, and inaccurate anecdotes. His comments simplified the complex US economy, which, by the way, is the envy of the world. He lumped together all free trade agreements and the 2008 banking crisis as the cause of capital exodus overseas and our country's economic decline. Has Jim researched and analyzed the economics behind...
GEORGIA, I have a question. I’m 29F and the family volunteer. Every get-together, every spare room, every airport pickup, every last-minute plan, I’m the one they call. I’ve complained about it before, but fighting takes more energy than hosting, so I always end up giving in. I also have a significantly bigger home than anyone in my family, and they seem to take advantage of it whenever they can. Three weekends ago, my parents were getting their floors redone, so the whole crew stayed with me. I work from home, and my desk was covered in clien...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you will soon learn that any obstacle can be overcome if you set your mind to it. While a certain task may seem daunting right now, don’t allow it to intimidate you. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Others are paying attention to you even if they seem distracted, Taurus. Embrace the scrutiny and do your best to reciprocate any special attention coming your way. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, make an effort to be there for a loved one this week. You have a unique ability to listen and support others, and your loved one will n...
Currently, there are approximately 8 billion people on planet Earth, and approximately 159 nations. But at the micro level, humans seem wired to think everything revolves around them. Seriously, it is laughable. Self-absorption is a common human condition; however, we Americans must learn to BEHAVE differently. Some days it would be better for us to have a memo stapled to our head that reads, “The world doesn’t revolve around me.” Considering the first century and time and again in church circles, Israel is understood to be a favored natio...
Since eyelashes are designed to keep things out of your eyes, people with alopecia get things in their eyes a lot more than the average person. If plastic bags could think, the plastic bag holding all the other plastic bags under the sink might be considered an esteemed position. You know what elevator music is, but you’ve never heard it in an elevator. Skydiving would be a lot less thrilling on the moon. We must seem selfish to ants. Our brains are faster than we think. Now that the US is phasing out the penny, it’s the perfect opp...
He was a Republican. A homesteader. Father. Lawyer. County Attorney. A well-respected district judge. He had an "unblemished judicial record." Senator Burton K. Wheeler described him as a "fine and honorable man." He lived in Forsyth. He was impeached. In 1918, the Montana Senate held a trial. It convicted him and disqualified him from ever holding public office again. Why? He defended freedom. Free Speech. Our Constitution. Really. This happened. In Montana. In Rosebud County. Do you know who I...
I have listened to and lived by the two-parent work ethic all my life. Wondering, like everyone else, how my parents and grandparents did it. I reasoned that there wasn't all this computer/phone technology to waste money on, which now seems like a necessity. So let's look at this. What was it like when ol' mom and pop were around? Back in the 1960s and 70s? Detroit had the highest per-capita income. Yes, the same Detroit that now is looking for people to take possession of an abandoned house....
