Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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“I sold an hour of my life for $13” doesn’t sound nearly as good as “I make $13/hour.” Does Mike Wazowski wink or blink? When you’re criticized for being short, they’re really just saying the worst thing about you is that there isn’t more of you. Why is Monday so far from Friday, but Friday is so close to Monday? You know you’re socially awkward when you are proud of yourself for just saying what you wanted to say. We’ve ruined a lot of good songs by setting them as our alarm music. The moment you fasten your seatbelt, you begin to wear the c...
During this election cycle, you will likely be asked to sign petitions to place various proposals on the November ballot. Before signing, it is important to understand exactly what you are supporting. That is especially true for I-194, a proposed ballot initiative aimed at restricting “dark money” in elections. I-194, known as The Montana Plan, is designed to sharply limit the role of corporations, nonprofits, LLCs, trade associations, and other “artificial persons” in Montana elections. Supporters argue it would reduce dark money in politic...
According to the New York Times, 300 individual billionaires spent more than $3 billion during the 2024 election cycle. Keep those figures in mind as you consider I-194 and its potential impact on Montana values. The Montana Chamber of Commerce, the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce, and the Billings Chamber of Commerce have taken a clear and united stand against Initiative 194. We believe Montanans deserve a full and transparent explanation of why. No doubt, I-194 would prohibit Montana businesses and nonprofits from participating in the...
This May, I traveled to California to spend a few days in Yosemite National Park. It is a favorite park of mine, one where I have often spent time over the years. Staying for a few days inside the park was within my modest income. For this visit, I needed to scramble for a reservation, hoping to chance upon a cancellation. As I logged into park accommodations, I had my first shock – rooms at Yosemite Valley Lodge cost around $400 per night. I opened the accommodation options to see if anything else was available, and a tent cabin that slept f...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Your curiosity is in overdrive, Aries. Conversations bring exciting ideas, and you might stumble across information that opens a new door. Midweek is perfect for networking. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 This week brings a spark of fresh motivation. You’re feeling bold and ready to take action, Taurus. Plans could pop up unexpectedly and lead to a surprising connection. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you may find yourself craving cozy vibes, delicious food, and meaningful conversations. A small financial or professional o...
I admit to liking the Book of Philemon, and I think it might be because it is so concise. It is direct that forgiveness is very often a two-way street. Onesimus wronged Philemon, but that is not where the story ends; it is the beginning of something profound. Philemon took Paul’s advice and welcomed Onesimus back with forgiveness on the basis of love; he also freed him from servitude. Numerous resources in church history state that Onesimus went on to become a pastor, and therefore, many other lives were changed as people came to salvation i...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County, The Jefferson Valley Sportsmen's Association urges you to vote YES for the Jefferson County Noxious Weed Control Levy. It's now a new levy. Noxious weeds, if not controlled, can have widespread negative impacts on wildlife habitats. They can crowd out native or beneficial plants that big game need for forage and browse. Control of noxious weeds and invasive aquatic plants requires constant surveillance, monitoring, and management. Noxious weed management is not...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County Residents, Last week, Jefferson County Weed District and Montana State Extension presented an information session about invasive annual grasses. We now have a new annual invasive grass, Ventenata. Ventenata seems worse than cheatgrass, so if you are a rancher or someone who cares about our native and agricultural lands, you'd best get up to speed on this new problem plant. Last week's session is one of many examples of how the Jefferson County Weed District...
Dear Editor, I will be voting to maintain the Jefferson County Weed District levy this June and encourage you to do the same. It's not an easy decision to make in the face of rising costs, but it's the right one and a sound, ongoing investment in public and private lands. Like you, I fight the annual war on weeds. I couldn't do it without the support of the Weed District staff and services. Stewardship of the land is serious business, ensuring that native grasses and plants support wildlife...
Dear Editor, The Southwest Montana Conservation Coalition would like to extend our support and endorsement for Trevor Walter for House District 69. Our grassroots organization was formed out of a desire to conserve our way of life in Southwestern Montana, with a strong agricultural base, to maintain and strengthen protections for private property rights, and to encourage a cross-section of other multiple-use interests in timber, mining, hunting, fishing, recreation, etc. As a board member...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County Residents, The three mills we currently pay in our property taxes for the Weed District are coming up for renewal this year. The Jefferson County Weed District is very beneficial to all county residents, and it would be a devastating loss for our county if we lost the funding needed to operate this program. The Jefferson County Weed District provides herbicides to residents at reduced costs, facilitates educational programs for county residents, provides...
Dear Editor and Jefferson County Residents, Last week, Jefferson County Weed District and Montana State Extension presented an information session about invasive annual grasses. We now have a new annual invasive grass, Ventenata. Ventenata seems worse than cheatgrass, so if you are a rancher or someone who cares about our native and agricultural lands, you’d best get up to speed on this new problem plant. Last week’s session is one of many examples of how the Jefferson County Weed District serves the residents of Jefferson County and the agr...
Dear Editor, Recent flyers and political ads circulating in our community are making entirely false claims about my funding decisions and my priorities, particularly regarding House Bill 9 in both the 2023 and 2025 legislative sessions. Montanans deserve the truth. House Bill 9 (HB9) is a standard recurring bill introduced every biennium. Its official title is the Cultural and Aesthetic Grants bill, and it has existed for decades under both Republican and Democratic administrations. HB9...
One reason the Internet loves cats is that having too many baby memes would be creepy. If a person from 20 years ago heard an AI-generated audio clip, they would probably find it uncanny but wouldn’t be able to explain why. If you put frosting on a muffin, does that make it a cupcake? Rationality only exists on a microscopic scale. Zoom out enough, and you realize that either your goal or the start of your chain of logic was irrational. The number of people who use 6767 as their bank PIN is likely rising exponentially. Mountain roads are p...
“Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people,” Paul says to Philemon in his shortest letter of all. He was under house arrest, and somehow, he and Onesimus crossed paths. We gain three lessons. Onesimus, whom Paul had learned had escaped as a slave of Philemon’s, whom Paul knew well and trusted. Paul knew him from Colossae, well enough to call him a friend. “I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, (Philemon) because I hear about your love for all his h...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Slow down to smell the roses, Aries. You’ve been running at full speed, and your body is asking for a break. A low-key evening at home will recharge your batteries for a big weekend. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Creativity hits you in an unexpected place, Taurus. It might even come while you’re doing chores. Explore a new idea thoroughly, as it might be the creative spark you’ve been looking for. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 A misunderstanding is cleared up by a simple phone call, Gemini. Don’t let a text message stew in your mind. D...
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...
