Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Societies have long deemed money and possessions to be the mark of success. A fancy house, a brand new Ford F-350, or the false security of a swollen bank account- these seem to be “The American Dream.” Jesus addressed the topic of money a lot. Throughout the Bible, we find advice and instruction on how to live a balanced life, including wise management of our possessions and valuing our relationships as our top priority. Since money and possessions vary amongst us, one common denominator we have is time. Last I checked, we all share 24 hou...
When my Dad turned 92, I was chatting with him about all that had happened in his life: WWII, the A-bomb, the birth of television, cars becoming common, the moon landing, the internet, and smartphones. (He loves that I can pull up any Hank Williams Sr. song in an instant. ) But what struck me most wasn’t how much has changed. It’s the fact that, when you get right down to it, life hasn’t actually changed that much. There are good times and hard times. He was born during the great depre...
It’s all over the internet. The foreign fascination – even infatuation – with America, as citizens from across the globe visit our shores for the World Cup competition. Hundreds of thousands, singing our praise while lambasting their local media for lying to them. In more ways than one, they were seeing America for the first time. It’s sights and scenery. Its stores and stadiums. Most of all, they were seeing its people. And it’s been love at first sight. It is both edifying and unifying to listen to their heart-warming testimonies. Knowing t...
A little patience from one person can stop another person from feeling like a problem. Why do people rarely laugh in movies as they laugh in real life? The reason Mothman appears at mass tragedy events is that he’s attracted to “the light.” I wonder if the owner of the email address I use for spam has ever noticed. A fly on a TV screen must be like standing on an absolutely massive disco dance floor. Smokers are more likely to be hit by lightning. You can tilt Google: If you type the word “askew” into the Google search bar, the entire se...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you are a powerhouse this week. Your energy levels will remain steady as the days go on, and people will notice your drive. Channel this energy into something positive. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 It’s your week right now, Taurus, and the stars want to indulge. Indulge in something luxurious and enjoy yourself. You have earned the right to some pampering. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Use your gift of gab to mend a relationship issue that stemmed from a misunderstanding, Gemini. Expect some invitations to come your way and a s...
As human beings, we all long to be known and loved; we are hardwired in this fashion from conception. From time to time in life, this desire for acceptance may lead us to put on a false front. Think of a time when you tried to impress someone, you know, showing off your best side? If we take that to the extreme and be overtly impressive, we demean ourselves. Author and pastor Ben Mandrell challenges us to let our guard down. He says, “When we find a group to which you can take off the mask, you find the ability to be the real you.” In fact, Jes...
Dear Editor, Many thanks to our signature gatherers and Montanans statewide for our effort to collect signatures for I-194, the Montana ballot initiative to end corporate and dark money in Montana elections. We collected over 50,000 signatures that came from all of Montana's 56 counties. This immense effort was powered by all volunteer signature gatherers, some 500 in total! To qualify I-194 for November's ballot, we need 31,121 verified signatures statewide out of our collected 50,000, and we...
Dear Editor, Concerning The Montana Plan, I-194, when deciding whether or not to sign the plan's petition, I asked myself one simple question. Should corporations control the people of Montana, or should Montanans control corporations? I chose the latter because I'm fed up with all the twisted, disparaging misinformation paid for with tens of millions of dollars of corporate money in each election. I have a question for the Montana Chamber of Commerce, which is opposing I-194 and supporting...
The person keeping everyone updated is usually the last one people check on. This is the first time in the United Kingdom's history that they are looking for a new Prime Minister, James Bond, and Dr Who at the same time. Father’s Day should be nine months before Mother’s Day. As AI deepfakes get more realistic, physical camera film might become the ultimate luxury. It will be the only proof of reality. For every time you unexpectedly run into someone you know in a random place, there are probably just as many near-misses you’ll never know...
Dear Editor, A Helena resident recently reported an unusual encounter while fishing along the Missouri River near Beaver Creek. The witness stated that he had arrived before sunrise and was enjoying the quiet morning when at first light, as the sun hit the hills, he noticed a large dark figure standing on the opposite bank. At first he assumed it was a bear. But as it moved, he could see it was not a bear. The figure was enormous. The figure remained upright. Completely upright. The witness...
My family operates a working cow ranch in central Montana halfway between Roundup and Winnett. We’ve been ranching here since 1956 and in Musselshell County since 1978. We love what we do and are grateful for our neighbors, partners, and community, without whom we likely would not be here. Everything we do is the result of a complex, inescapable interdependence with everything and everyone around us. How communities (businesses, government, public institutions, churches, and non-profits) respond, interact, and adapt to their changing climate r...
I grew up in Anaconda, in the shadow of the smelter stack. As a proud union Democrat, I was 12 years old before I realized “Damnrepublicans” was actually two words. I ran for the Montana Legislature as a Democrat, later served as Superintendent of Public Instruction, and spent my career fighting for working families. When I ran for Congress in 2000, I carried my father’s lunch bucket with me across the state as a reminder of where I came from and who I was serving. I have supported Democrats my entire life, and I will continue to do so. That...
GEORGIA, I have a question. If you aren’t invited to the actual wedding, are you still required to send a gift? I’m in a pickle - let me give you some context. I’m 19F; my half-sister is 27. Same dad, different moms. We were never super close since she lived with her mom full-time, but we see each other at holidays and text sometimes. She’s getting married in a few months. I knew about the wedding; I just never got an actual invite. I figured she was keeping it small. I didn’t make a big deal about it. Last week my phone buzzed, and it was he...
Perhaps it is the country directness of the parishioners of Southwest Montana, but people tell me they feel welcome at our church. Perhaps it is the honesty and caring nature of our team. I appreciate how Pastor Ben Mandrell, author of the Together series, emphasizes Biblical principles to address loneliness within churches. Mandrell says, “We’re not strong when we walk alone.” The Christian life is healthier when we walk alongside other believers in family-like relationships. The honest truth is the choices we sometimes make bring on our o...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, physical activity can boost your mood and clear your mind for some big decisions that are ahead this week. Tackle some larger projects. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Indulge in simple pleasures this week, Taurus. They will lead you to the happiness you deserve. You may discover a new favorite recipe or a cozy nook to hang out in. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Networking may feel less like a chore and more like a party this week, Gemini. A chance encounter could open a door to an excellent opportunity. CANCER - Jun 22/Jul 22 Cance...
In Montana, we pride ourselves on independence, fairness, and looking out for one another—especially when distances are long and resources are few. For Montanans with disabilities, one of the most important tools that makes those values real is Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Often overlooked, Section 504 is not a bureaucratic technicality. It is a civil rights promise—one that is now at risk. Passed in 1973, Section 504 was the first federal law to prohibit disability discrimination. Its principle is simple: any program or service tha...
I grew up in Anaconda, in the shadow of the smelter stack. As a proud union Democrat, I was 12 years old before I realized “Damnrepublicans” was actually two words. I ran for the Montana Legislature as a Democrat, later served as Superintendent of Public Instruction, and spent my career fighting for working families. When I ran for Congress in 2000, I carried my father’s lunch bucket with me across the state as a reminder of where I came from and who I was serving. I have supported Democrats my entire life, and I will continue to do so. That...
Vera Millegan, our beautiful mother, passed away peacefully on May 4th, 2026. Vera Marie Butt Millegan was born August 29, 1930, to Alfred and Della (Garbe) Butt in Polson, Montana. She was raised with six sisters and two brothers. She attended grade school in Pablo, MT, and graduated from Polson High School in 1948. Work took her to Spokane, WA, for a few years, then back home to Polson, where she worked in the Polson Drug Store and met Roy E. Millegan. They were married at the Lutheran Church... Full story
To the Editor: As Montanans are asked whether to sign petitions related to The Montana Plan, I find myself thinking less about the initiative itself and more about what the debate surrounding it reveals about us as citizens. Millions of dollars may be spent attempting to persuade Montanans what to think. Some will argue that this spending proves the need for additional laws and regulations. Others will argue the opposite. But perhaps the more important question is this: When did we begin believi...
Dear Editor, I wanted to write this letter to thank Ken Walsh for his six years of service to our district and our state. I had the opportunity to interact briefly with Ken several years ago when I had a concern I wished to voice. I received a prompt and thoughtful response, and a sense that my concern was being taken to heart and brought to the legislature with him. I was disappointed to learn that Ken lost the primary, but I found his letter to the editor last week to be incredibly...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Management opportunities are coming your way, Aries. It is time to step up and take the lead. Your confidence has long been a strong character trait, so push forward. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, patience will pay off big time when a long-awaited piece of news finally arrives. The weekend is a perfect time for walking in nature or tending to the garden. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Your curiosity is leading you down a fascinating path right now, Gemini. This could spark a new interest. Stay flexible, as a last-minute change...
Jesus Christ’s bold love for people warms our hearts and thoughts, making us a better church. Prayer, forgiveness, fellowship, teaching, and their relationship have been the focus of my meditation for today’s article. Author and Pastor Ben Mandrell, in his Together series, emphasizes these pillars, comparing them to a four-legged stool, each complementing one another. The first leg is Teaching. “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind,” teaches Romans in chapter 12. “Then you will be able t...
Dear Editor, We are writing to correct the inaccuracies in Tom Millett's recent op-ed claiming I-194 could cost Montana taxpayers millions without fixing campaign finance. In his piece, Millett mischaracterizes the mechanism, legal grounding, and scope of Initiative 194, also known as The Montana Plan. A reading of the actual initiative text reveals a robust, tightly drafted measure designed to fix the fundamental structure of our broken campaign finance system and wrestle campaign spending...
Dear Editor, Please note that this election evening's national TV advertising is depriving down-ballot candidates and offices of their due airtime and respect. In one fell swoop, buying our democracy and elections in full view! Signatures are currently being gathered for Initiative-194 (The Montana Plan), a great opportunity to restore some Montana campaign finance regulation. Yes, this is the one that will make the federal Citizens United case irrelevant. But it needs to get on the November...
Dear Editor, I'm proud to have lived a life committed to public service, but serving as your Representative for the past six years has been the honor of a lifetime. While I am disappointed to not be returning to Helena for one more term to work on your behalf, I will leave office deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve you. We live in an increasingly divisive time. I believe SW Montana can be a leader in showing not just the rest of the state, but the entire country, how neighbors can come...
