Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 2076
Dear Editor, Whether you're a rancher, fishing guide, mechanic, or someone selling groceries to a logger, land and water are the foundation of our economy in House District 69. Therefore, we need representatives in Helena who understand resource management, want to preserve our way of life, and have a record of supporting these businesses. As a farmer and rancher, Ken Walsh has the real-world experience and the legislative record to improve our resource-based economy. Ken helped create the...
Dear Editor, My earliest memories of Trevor are of him invading one's most sacred territory, the coveted sandbox. My, how time flies. Getting reconnected with Trevor, I see a man who has committed himself to God, family, and the Montana way of life that I hold dear. Our families have poured sweat, blood, and tears into these valleys and have been blessed immensely because of it. Trevor's bleeding heart has guided him into a listening mentality and a leader who leads by example, from giving...
Dear Editor, Teachers are heroes. Full stop! I have recently been a substitute teacher at Whitehall High School and Elementary School, and I hope the parents in the community understand just how much the staff cares about your children. Every day the classroom teachers are planning for and mentoring your precious kids with professionalism and love. It's not only remarkable, but effective. If students are willing to participate, there is a quality education and some outstanding educators willing...
Dear Editor, Think twice before choosing your primary ballot this year - we have some bad news. Based on a recent analysis, 88% of Montana's legislature will be decided in the June 2 primary. Let that sink in: nearly 9 in 10 seats in the 2027 legislative session will be decided in less than a month, in an election where fewer than half of Montanans participate. The Montana Legislature affects Montanans' lives deeply. Legislators set our state budget, decide how much we are taxed (or not), fund...
Dear Editor, In just a few weeks, the electors of the Montana House District 69 will be voting for a representative. It is a most important position. They need to take this responsibility seriously. This person needs to be well established in the district, exemplify business knowledge, be conservative, be trustworthy, have integrity, and have been involved in local community boards and organizations. Trevor Walter exhibits all these qualifying attributes. Trevor's family came to the Ruby Valley...
Dear Editor, If there were ever a reason to sign the Transparency In Elections petition (aka The Montana Plan) to keep Dark Money out of Montana's elections, the slanderous mail campaign that is being waged against Ken Walsh is a perfect example. The latest postcard came from the School Freedom Fund – a dark money PAC with millions to spend to support extremist positions in education. Trevor Walter's "supported by the Montana Republican Party" postcards are also paid for by the School Freedom F...
Dear Editor and to the Voters of Jefferson County, I am writing to ask for your support in maintaining the Jefferson County Weed District Mill Levy. This levy benefits all of us, whether we live in town or in rural areas. The Jefferson County Weed District is recognized as one of the leading districts in the state-thanks in large part to the continued support of residents through this levy. Not many years ago, the mountainsides and recreational areas were covered in toadflax, leafy spurge, and...
GEORGIA, I have a question, Am I wrong in believing that babies do not belong at wineries, breweries, festivals, and other adult spaces? I know this is going to make people angry, but I finally snapped this weekend. My husband and I went to a local winery for a relaxing afternoon. This place literally advertises itself as a quiet adults' getaway. Wine tastings, acoustic music, people sitting around talking. It is not Pizza Ranch. About twenty minutes after we sat down, a couple showed up with a baby that looked maybe 8 months old. The second...
Dear Editor and to the Voters of Jefferson County, I am writing to express my support and encourage you to do the same for maintaining the three mills for the Jefferson County Weed District in the upcoming June 2026 election. This is NOT a new mill; a vote is needed to continue the mills currently in place. As a ranch owner in Jefferson County, the Weed District is very important to us. We are all impacted by the negative effects of noxious weeds and their spread throughout our county. Without...
NASA could probably panic the entire planet with a single fake announcement that Voyager picked up an alien signal. If reincarnation is real, immortal jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) must be what you come back as when the universe has finally had enough of your BS. If we get phasers, someone will work out how to set them to ‘tickle ‘. HBO really missed a trick by not casting Kristofer Hivju as Hagrid and Gwendolyn Christie as Madame Maxime. If a small candy company made edible Tide Pods, it would make a lot of money. If humanity goes on for...
GEORGIA, I have a question, Am I wrong in believing that babies do not belong at wineries, breweries, festivals, and other adult spaces? I know this is going to make people angry, but I finally snapped this weekend. My husband and I went to a local winery for a relaxing afternoon. This place literally advertises itself as a quiet adults’ getaway. Wine tastings, acoustic music, people sitting around talking. It is not Pizza Ranch. About twenty minutes after we sat down, a couple showed up with a baby that looked maybe 8 months old. The second t...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, a professional door you thought was locked is actually just heavy. Push a little harder. Your honesty is exactly what a stalled project needs to move forward. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Financial clarity is coming your way, Taurus. You might discover a subscription you don’t need or a better way to save for that big-ticket item. Your future self will thank you. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Your words have extra weight this week, Gemini. Use them to bridge a gap between friends or to draft that important email. A sibling or c...
The Christian tradition in which my heart and mind find solace is the beauty of the Scriptures we have been studying. You know this if you read this column often. Respect for life, healthy relationships, love of family, together with civil order, law, and justice run deep in American society. Partnership in the context of the local church is vital. The Greek term in the New Testament is koinonia, often translated as partnership, fellowship, or sharing; it occurs at least 19 times. In the church, unity, shared labor, and mutual support are the...
Do birds feel the same about flying as we feel about walking, or do they understand how amazing it is? If a friend or family member starts a question with “don’t you want to” or “don’t you think,” they’re actually more interested in validating their own thoughts and/or wants, not yours. The memory of an embarrassing moment is often more embarrassing than the moment itself. Because of degrading batteries, after enough time, every laptop turns into a desktop computer. It feels higher status in society to be unemployed than to work a menial job. I...
Dear Editor, To say that Montana's children and women are in grave danger as a direct result of government corruption and incompetence is not an exaggeration. Luckily for Montana, we have an opportunity to select a U.S. senator with experience addressing those issues, from citizens organizing at the local level to identifying threats from within at the highest levels of government. Alani Bankhead isn't a "no-name" because she has been spending her life getting the work done, not seeking...
Dear Editor, We are writing in support of the continuation of the existing Noxious Weed Control Mill Levy that will be considered by voters. The Jefferson County Weed District is one of the leading weed districts in the state. This levy is beneficial whether we live in an urban or rural setting. It is very important to control the infestation of noxious weeds in our public lands, range lands, pastures, and recreational parks. In addition, noxious weeds have a detrimental effect on big game...
Dear Editor, I was born, raised, and worked on the family ranch established in 1916 in the Ruby Valley by my grandfather, John H. Anderson. Growing up in the ranching community with Ken Walsh, I want to share with voters why I wholeheartedly support him for re-election to represent House District 69. When Ken taught Ag education at Twin Bridges High School, he taught his students not only agricultural and mechanical skills but also leadership through the Future Farmers of America program. Ken...
Dear Editor, On behalf of the board of directors of the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation and probably all who attended our fundraiser, we would like to thank the Whitehall FFA chapter for their support, help, citizenship, and commitment. The event was a tremendous success, with financial numbers and attendance numbers available separately. However, the FFA group, individually and as a group, was hardworking, polite, well-groomed and dressed, attentive, and projected the best example of...
Dear Editor, I am sending this letter to ask that people vote for the Weed Mill Levy that will be on the ballot in June. The resolution will not create a new tax, but instead is the continuance of a prior resolution. It will not raise your taxes. The program that Jefferson County has is a great program. Not only do they provide resources for the Counties to use to spray weeds on public lands, such as cemeteries, parks, and school grounds throughout Jefferson County, but they also provide for...
A lack of transparency and available details about the proposed acquisition of NorthWestern Energy by Black Hill Corporation has led Montana Farmers Union to intervene to push for clarity on intentions and to raise questions about farmers and ranchers bearing the costs. Based on the questions MFU leaders have asked and the Commission docket so far, the proposed acquisition is not designed to help the Montana family farmer. It is designed to build a corporate balance sheet large enough to serve the bottomless appetite of multinational data...
GEORGIA, I have a question, A year ago, a good friend of mine fell on hard times. To help out, I loaned them $1,000. A year later, it is still owed, and the $1000 has begun to lose value. Would it be wrong of me to charge them interest? The difference would only be about $25, so I think it's a reasonable ask. When I ran it by my husband to see what he thought, he said I was being petty. What do you think? PLUS INTEREST Dear INTEREST, You said this was a good friend whom you helped in hard times. To me, that means they owe you what they...
One aspect of studying and understanding the numerous New Testament books of the Bible is recognizing that they are indeed letters. Written communication in the 1st Century was much less common than it is today. A much smaller percentage of individuals could read and write in comparison. Paul wrote 13 in total; two to Timothy, one to Titus, and one to Philemon, the remaining were written to churches. As Colossians concludes, Paul leans into his final teaching. To key leaders, he expresses his gratitude. “ Devote yourselves to prayer, being watc...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 You approach a task with wisdom and insight this week, Aries. Your measured approach paves the way to finding a solution ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, your energy is at an all-time high. If you’ve been sitting on a wild idea, Tuesday is the day to pitch it to someone. Your charisma is your superpower right now. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Expect a spotlight moment, Taurus. Whether it is a compliment from a stranger or a win at work, the universe will validate your hard work this week. Keep your chin up. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 A...
Dear Editor, I am writing to offer my wholehearted support for Trevor Walter's candidacy. As a former missionary and pastor, I have spent decades walking alongside people through life's most meaningful moments. That experience has taught me one enduring truth: a person's character is not revealed by what they say in public, but by how they live when no one is watching. I know Trevor Walter, and I can tell you without hesitation that his public life and his private life are the same. That kind...
Dear Editor, In the rugged landscapes of Montana, the "Last Best Place" isn't just a slogan; it is a way of life. For Senator Steve Daines, protecting this legacy has been a career-long mission. As an avid outdoorsman who grew up hiking, hunting, and fishing the Gallatin Range, Daines has leveraged his position in the U.S. Senate to champion some of the most consequential conservation and outdoor recreation policies in half a century. As he nears the end of his historic tenure in the United...
