Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana

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  • Dear Editor: Thank You to FFA on Behalf of JVCF

    JOHN KREIS, Jefferson Valley Community Foundation|May 6, 2026

    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: We Should Support the Weed Mill Levy's Continuation

    GREG DUNCAN|May 6, 2026

    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...

  • Op-Ed: Lack of Transparency in NorthWestern Acquisition Process Leads to Unintended Consequences, Costs for Montanans

    WALTER SCHWEITZER, Montana Farmers Union|May 6, 2026

    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...

  • Just Ask Georgia: Week of 5/6/2026

    GEORGIA|May 6, 2026

    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...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Grace In Spite of Chains

    BILL LANES, Whitehall Assembly of God|May 6, 2026

    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...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 5/6/2026

    May 6, 2026

    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: In Support of Trevor Walter

    CHRISTOPHER L. LA RUE|Apr 29, 2026

    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: Daines's America the Beautiful Act Cements Lasting Legacy

    DENLEY LOGE, Senate District 45|Apr 29, 2026

    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...

  • Dear Editor: I-194 The Transparent Election Initiative

    LESLIE CLARK, Transparency Election Initiative|Apr 29, 2026

    Dear Editor, The Transparent Election Initiative, I-194 or "The Montana Plan", as it is also known, is now in the signature gathering process so it can be on the ballot in the upcoming November elections. The Transparent Election Initiative is a non-partisan, Montana-based campaign working to restore transparency and accountability in elections by ensuring that political power rests with citizens rather than corporate entities. If passed in November, "The Montana Plan" would clarify that the...

  • Thought Provokers: Week of 4/29/2026

    Apr 29, 2026

    When someone sleeps for more than half the day, they may be depressed - reach out to them. A day on Venus is longer than a year on Venus. If a stranger grabs you and says, “Don’t scream,” that’s your sign to scream as loud as you can. Honey never spoils, even after a thousand years. Oversleeping regularly is often a sign of mental or emotional exhaustion, not laziness. The internet weighs less than a strawberry. If you smell something like rotten eggs near your home, it could be a gas leak. Get out immediately and don’t use electrica... Full story

  • CONNECTING POINT: What's Under Your Armor?

    BILL LANES, Whitehall Assembly of God|Apr 29, 2026

    Many of us are familiar with Ephesians 6 and the armor of God, a metaphor for spiritual discipline. Now, in Colossians 3, Paul turns to our most personal relationships with clothing ourselves with gentleness, patience, and compassion. It is as if these are a base layer beneath the armor of God. As you know, you get more out of the Bible by understanding the context of the Scripture. I have often emphasized it in the column and in my teaching. Paul’s letters to Christians in Ephesus and Colossae really do mirror each other. In each c...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 4/29/2026

    Apr 29, 2026

    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 that will benefit all involved. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 It is key to treat yourself this week, Taurus. A purchase or experience could bring you long-term joy. Just be careful not to spend too much. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, you are more often than not full of clever solutions. If there is a problem, you’re often the one who can crack it. This will be the case this week as well; your knack is put t...

  • Thought Provokers: Week of 4/22/2026

    Apr 22, 2026

    No one seems to call the current decade “The Twenties.” Garden snails have 14,000 to 15,000 teeth. Your teeth are the only bones you clean. Approximately 1 out of every 100 people is infected with Strongyloides threadworms) and can be for decades without knowing. It takes the same amount of force to rip somebody’s ear off as it does to open a door. If the sun exploded right now, no one (besides scientists) would notice for 8 minutes. There are more chickens than people on Earth. Green LED lights attract spiders. The movie The Breakfast Club...

  • Op-Ed: Important to Know Who's Actually Calling the Shots

    JIM PETERSON|Apr 22, 2026

    Montana used to be a place that welcomed respectful debate of issues, and we worked together to find sensible solutions that considered as many views as possible. Not anymore. At least not if the party bosses get their way this spring. The Montana GOP, under the leadership of former state legislator Art Wittich, has decided that hard line ideology and picking the “right” kind of Republican candidate is more important than supporting Republican candidates who can most effectively represent their districts. Wittich and the current Montana GOP...

  • Just Ask Georgia: Week of 4/22/2026

    GEORGIA|Apr 22, 2026

    GEORGIA, I have a question, Earlier today at Walmart, I was trying to find a parking spot and noticed a woman asleep in her car, taking up a regular space. At first, I thought she might be waiting for someone, but she wasn’t moving at all—head down, seatbelt still on, completely knocked out like the parking lot was her personal rest spot. Meanwhile, people were circling just trying to find somewhere to park. I ended up letting an employee know because I honestly didn’t feel like that was okay. Parking spaces are meant for customers comin...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Two Closets

    BILL LANES, Whitehall Assembly of God|Apr 22, 2026

    We have all seen video clips or television clips that post a note that says “Wait to see it.” Maybe this column should start, “Read to the end!” Paul is the lead teacher here in Colossians 3, telling us how to clothe ourselves daily. “Since then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died. Your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear wi...

  • HOROSCOPES: Week of 4/22/2026

    Apr 22, 2026

    ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, a delay turns out to be a blessing this week. You end up somewhere better than planned with this redirected route. Trust how things turned out. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 A decision you have been avoiding suddenly seems completely obvious, Taurus. Money, as well as work clarity, arrives closer to the weekend. Hold on to it while you can. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 You are the go-to person for the job when anyone needs some comic relief or a mood-lifter, Gemini. Your humor and insight will help someone more than you...

  • Op-Ed: Old Lyin' Al

    RYAN ZINKE, Montana Congreeman|Apr 15, 2026

    I’ve heard enough. “Dr. Al” Olszewski has spent the better part of a decade lying to Montana, dividing conservatives, and has used his post as county GOP chairman to pull good candidates down, rather than working to elevate all. He personally has lost three consecutive primaries for US Senate, governor, Congress, and now that he’s running for Congress against Aaron Flint, he’s up to his lies again. The only thing stopping Al from being a career politician is the common sense of the Montana voters. Let’s examine the facts: Lie 1: If you’ve been...

  • Just Ask Georgia: Week of 4/15/2026

    GEORGIA|Apr 15, 2026

    GEORGIA, I have a question, My wife's cousin invited my wife to a 4-day 30th-birthday trip to Jamaica. It was supposed to be an all-women “girls’ trip.” Well, I’m not ok with that. I told my wife she could go only if I went as well. She can go do her own thing, but at the end of the day, she comes back to our hotel room so I can keep tabs on her. After several days of arguing, my wife finally agreed to my conditions. Her cousin is not happy about this arrangement. She had already booked a suite for the four girls going on the trip, which they w...

  • Thought Provokers: Week of 4/15/2026

    Apr 15, 2026

    We may be alone in the universe...but we may not be. The statistical probability that we are living in a simulation is concerning. To get the truest shade of black, you have to burn bones; most black dyes are made with a dark yellow, green, or red, which isn’t a true black. Some organic cosmetics contain bat feces as an ingredient. Cars were invented without seatbelts. Knowing exactly when you are going to die is just as terrifying as not knowing exactly when you are going to die. If a starfish gets on your face, it can stick its stomach d...

  • CONNECTING POINT: The Triumphant Cross

    BILL LANES, Whitehall Assembly of God|Apr 15, 2026

    What better time are you waiting for to examine all forms of teaching and learning with thoughtful consideration? Are you waiting for World War III? Foolish people of all stripes seem to toss off the idea like it is as usual as eating cornflakes for breakfast! You could not find a better spot to start than studying Colossians. It is right there in the back of your Bible! To counter false teachings, Paul provides ample ammunition. Dancing with moral relativism has weakened Americans' ability to think. Colossians is armor against falseness. From...

  • HOROSCOPES: Week of 4/15/2026

    Apr 15, 2026

    ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you have a certain energy that is building this week. Momentum increases the second you stop overthinking, so jump into whatever you were planning to do with two feet. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Something cozy, such as a hobby, recipe, or routine, could turn into something surprisingly productive, Taurus. Don’t dismiss passion projects this week when comfort meets opportunity. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, your words equal magic this week. Conversations open doors and can help clear up confusion about important t...

  • Dear Editor: Thank You from Jefferson Valley Sportsmen's Association

    Jefferson Valley Sportsmen's Association|Apr 8, 2026

    Dear Editor, The Jefferson Valley Sportsman's Association thanks all the individuals and businesses who donated to the fundraising banquet held on March 14. All the donations help make the banquet a huge success. We also thank all those who attended and participated in the raffles, silent, and live auctions. The Association will continue to work toward better fish and wildlife habitat, public access, and hunting and fishing opportunities. Thank you again, Jefferson Valley Sportsmen's...

  • Thought Provokers: Week of 4/8/2026

    Apr 8, 2026

    The chainsaw was invented for childbirth. Sweet potatoes are not potatoes. They belong to a different plant family. Everyone has millions of microscopic mites living and mating on their eyelashes. The human spinal column is the same consistency as a banana. When was the last time someone saw a cemetery being built? McDonald’s owns multiple children’s hospitals but owns no farms. A pineapple starts digesting you the moment you bite into it. When chlorine reacts with urea (from urine), it produces ammonia; ammonia then reacts with chlorine to...

  • Op-Ed: $23 Million Stolen from Montanans in One Year: Join AARP in Fighting Back Against Fraud

    TIM SUMMERS, AARP Montana|Apr 8, 2026

    As we observe Consumer Protection Month this April, it's a critical time to shine a spotlight on the growing threat of fraud in Montana and the steps we can take to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones. Recent data from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) paints a troubling picture of escalating fraud across the United States. In 2024, consumers reported losing more than $12.5 billion to fraud—a 25% increase over the previous year. When accounting for underreporting, the FTC estimates actual fraud losses in 2024 may have reached a...

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