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  • Thought Provokers: 3/15/2023

    Mar 15, 2023

    It must be weird being a twin and getting hellos from strangers and not being sure if they are people you’ve met and forgotten about. Life insurance in the Purge universe must be insane. In the future, looking back at Google Street View from 50 years ago will be a fascinating glimpse into the past. Darwin in Amazing World of Gumball is named Darwin because he’s a fish with legs. Common sense is what everyone needs, not what everyone has. The majority of life is doing something you don’t want to do for X minutes so that you can do somet...

  • Connecting Point: Let's Be Frank

    BILL LANES|Mar 15, 2023

    Have you ever had a frank and candid talk with someone that you had to prepare for? Perhaps it fell to you to bring something to a friend’s attention, and you did not know how your friend would react. Well, in the Letter to the Hebrews, I kind of think that the author’s name was “Frank.” LOL. Hebrews has had more than its share of attention over the past decades, even centuries. While the entire theological community is in upheaval, it’s clear the author delivers multiple warnings regarding persevering in one’s faith. He obviously has their t...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 3/15/2023

    Mar 15, 2023

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 So many things are moving your way, Aries. As the week progresses, your energy level could rise and you will get much more done. Leave time for meaningful encounters. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, connect with nature this week. Go hiking at a national park or visit a zoo and take in the exotic animals. Fresh outdoor air is just what you need. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, this week marks a new cycle for you. This means you should focus your energy on your ideas and try to narrow down prospects as much as possible. CANCER Jun...

  • Dear Editor: A Thank You from a Meadowlark Manor Resident

    Mar 8, 2023

    To the Residents of Whitehall, A big warm thank you. We are so fortunate to live in this area with so many thoughtful people. Where shall I start? During the Christmas holiday season, we had visiting carolers – 4H groups of youngsters and their families, choir groups from churches, and just a small group of women from town. So wonderful to hear (and some even brought along delicious holiday cookies and candies.) Then there were the lovely handmade Christmas and Valentine’s Day cards from the students of the Whitehall Elementary School. The Whi...

  • Dear Editor: Stress, not Technology, is the Real Killer

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Mar 8, 2023

    Dear Editor, Over the past week, more or less, I’ve been doing a bit of thinking on the subject of this generation’s reliance on technology and the detrimental effect it had. I originally wrote, “technology is killing us,” though I DID acknowledge later that it’s actually stress that’s the real killer! This is true enough, but when it comes down to it, we really must admit, we’re doing it to ourselves! Over the past century or so, technology has made great leaps most seemingly, or purportedly, for the better. In fact, many of the leaps made we...

  • Dear Editor: No more Low Cost Spay/Neuter Clinics

    ASC of Jefferson County|Mar 8, 2023

    Dear Editor, With sadness in our hearts after 15 years, the AS&C of Jefferson County will no longer be able to provide the bi-annual low-cost spay and neuter clinics to Jefferson County residents. The traveling Vet services are currently unable to travel for one-day clinics. We still feel this is a much-needed program, so our temporary solution is the AS&C of Jefferson County Spay & Neuter Program will provide discount coupons for County residents to be redeemed at Western Veterinary Service or Jefferson Veterinary Services. Rest assured, the...

  • Thought Provokers: 3/8/2023

    Mar 8, 2023

    The number of people older than you never increase. History is the longest-running game of Telephone. Paying for life coaches who end up scamming you must be the most ironic life lesson ever. Of the four fundamental forces, gravity is responsible for the most human deaths. The only difference between a collector and a hoarder is a theme. People living in optimal climates accomplish more in conversation because they don’t need to talk about the weather. Light is both invisible and visible. Most ice cubes aren’t cubes. Professional chefs are act...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 3/8/2023

    GEORGIA|Mar 8, 2023

    Georgia, I have a question, How often does Judge Judy hand out death sentences on her show? I’ve watched every episode, I think, and I’ve never seen her deal with more than debts, who is the father questions, and mundane things like that. Where are the serious cases? Wanting More Dear More, Well, darling, you see...well, there’s a lot it seems you need to see. While Judge Judith Susan Sheindlin was formerly a prosecutor and Manhattan family court judge, she is now a court-show arbitrator. Her judgments are legally binding, but the proce...

  • Connecting Point: Two Question Test

    BILL LANES|Mar 8, 2023

    Debate among Christians can be healthy and useful. Of course, staying within the fundamental structure of core Christian doctrine is essential, including the deity of Jesus Christ, the fall of mankind, salvation through repentance and grace, and biblical authority. In addition, I recognize flexibility with practices and teachings that do not compromise core truths: views regarding the return of Christ, methods of water baptism, and physical healing, to list a few. The Letter to Hebrews is not only a rich study of Old Testament law and practice...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 3/8/2023

    Mar 8, 2023

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 A development may have you feeling a bit down, Aries. That is only temporary, though, as your mood and circumstances will rebound in no time at all. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, people you encounter this week may be exceptionally stubborn, so you may need to avoid confrontations. Keep your emotions in check as best as you can. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, the weather may not be suitable for getting much done outdoors, but you can certainly stay busy inside the house with any projects you have been putting off. CANCER Jun...

  • Thought Provokers: 3/1/2023

    Mar 1, 2023

    There are many many animals that lay eggs, and for some reason, chicken eggs are the only animal eggs that we typically eat. The Star Wars universe has species that live for over 900 years, but things that happened 30 years ago are considered old legends Playing video games that don’t allow you to pause becomes significantly harder the second you have a kid. That first human to drink a cow’s milk was a pretty weird dude. It’s safer to be an airport Uber driver since your passengers went thru TSA before getting in. Exercise is an investment of b...

  • Dear Editor: Legalization of Recreational Marijuana and the Ensuing Tax

    MATT REGIER, Montana Speaker of the House|Mar 1, 2023

    Dear Editor, With the legalization of recreational marijuana and the ensuing tax, the State of Montana has exceeded tax revenue expectations. Since then, the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks has received 20% of the marijuana tax income for the purpose of funding wildlife habitats. The Habitat Montana program currently has over $13 million available to sufficiently fund their conservation program. In addition to funding Habitat Montana, we need to address our out-of-control drug problem across the state. I am writing in support of...

  • Dear Editor: Every Day is April Fool's Day

    RUTH LOTT|Mar 1, 2023

    Dear Editor, This blog from Seth Godin seemed particularly relevant as the election season unfolds. The extraordinary advances in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital tools are going to create havoc with facts and our ability to perceive what is and is not true. I would encourage everyone regardless of political affiliation to fact-check the information they see on the web this year. Respectfully submitted, Ruth Lott Cardwell, Montana “CHECKING THE DATE. . . . After 2022, it’s hard to tell for sure. And going forward, public life is goi...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 3/1/2023

    GEORGIA|Mar 1, 2023

    Georgia, I have a question, Do the British use forks or is there some kind of England-ish utensil akin to chopsticks? I’m going on vacation to Venice soon and don’t want to look stupid when I eat. Chopstick Challenged Dear Challenged, I feel that this question is the least of your issues. Use a fork, just as you do in the USA. FYI - Venice is in Italy, not England. Make sure you check your boarding pass to make sure you actually know where you are headed. With love, Georgia Georgia, I have a question, Am I older than my “older”sister? She was...

  • Connecting Point: The Letter to the Hebrews Pushes Us to Think About Death and Eternity

    BILL LANES|Mar 1, 2023

    Theological debates have long been part of church history. Some scholars and even amateur scholars are well acquainted, prepared, and ready to battle different viewpoints within Christianity while others sit on the sidelines and ask “is this even necessary?” I simply contend that we must be Biblically balanced, recognizing our own personal opinions or presumptions with a key provision: God’s Word is the final authority and our theology must fall in line with the proper understanding and context. We should never try to force the Bible into...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 3/1/2023

    Mar 1, 2023

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Take a few deep breaths before forging ahead with a plan that you have in mind, Aries. You might need to think things through a little more in the days to come. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, when a new opportunity arises, you may feel like a fish out of water until you get into a routine. After that learning period, things will come more easily. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, do not wait around for change to come. Sometimes you have to get the ball rolling yourself. Put plans in motion and figure out who will join you. CANCER J...

  • Thought Provokers: 2/22/2023

    Feb 22, 2023

    People often misconstrue good fortune as talent, and even more confusingly- bad fortune as a lack of it. Good-hearted people are also usually naive. They don’t expect to be scammed because they wouldn’t scam others. Provided a hose is nearby, it’s better to step in dog poo barefoot than with shoes on. One frustrating thing about getting older is younger people not getting your references; the upside is they assume you came up with all those clever one-liners. Most humans have been correctly applying physics in their daily lives without ever...

  • Connecting Point: Maturity Matters

    BILL LANES|Feb 22, 2023

    Have you ever had a break in your train of thought? I’m not referring to one of those forgetful moments either, those occur for a variety of reasons. I’m talking about a moment when you pause from your line of reasoning by taking a short Segway to communicate another valuable thought. Well, Bible authors have written in a similar fashion often, all for an important purpose. We find this to be the case in the later verses of Hebrews 5 continuing into chapter 6. “We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you becau...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 2/22/2023

    Feb 22, 2023

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Opportunity awaits you, Aries. You just need to know where to look to get the best deal. Start chasing after your heart’s desire because you could just get it this week. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 A financial windfall could be just over the horizon, Taurus. Stay the course over the next several days and wait and see what falls into your lap. You may be very surprised. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 People in your life want the best for you, Gemini. Accept their support and good wishes and use each as a guiding light when challenges a...

  • Dear Editor: Thank You Western Veterinary

    CHERYL HAASAKKER, Jefferson County ASC|Feb 15, 2023

    Dear Editor, It has been over 15 years since the AS&C of Jefferson County formed a partnership with Dr. Cory Tebay and Western Veterinary Service. This partnership was formed for the welfare of County animals and to educate their owners on the importance of vaccinating, as well as spaying and neutering pets. Cory and Western Veterinary Service have played a huge role in its success throughout the years by sponsoring the shot clinics and offering the vaccinations at a low cost for Jefferson County residents. The AS&C of Jefferson County would li...

  • Dear Editor: Issues with Whitehall School's Letter to Parents

    LEVI SIMON|Feb 15, 2023

    Dear Editor, I’m writing this letter in response to the letter Superintendent Nieskins sent home to the Whitehall Elementary parents, as well as the Letter to the Editor Mr. Reiff had in the February 8 edition of the Whitehall Ledger. As a parent of two students who attend Cardwell School, I have two issues with these letters. First, I find it very unprofessional and unacceptable for a school district or a member of the school board to share information pertaining to another school district. If the letter had only contained data for the W...

  • Thought Provokers: 2/15/2023

    Feb 15, 2023

    Our two most standard ice cream flavors are beans. We somehow have pictures of the Milky Way galaxy despite the farthest spacecraft we’ve launched barely even leaving our solar system. As a kid, teenagers seemed so big and scary because in most TV shows they were actually played by adults in their 20s. Phone companies have managed to find a way to sell you basically the same product with slight modifications for $1k every two years. Coffee is technically a recreational drug, but we never look at it that way. Most men buried wearing a suit w...

  • Connecting Point: The One and Only Forever Priest

    BILL LANES|Feb 15, 2023

    Priesthood order has long been part of church history, dating directly back to the family line of Aaron (Exodus 28). The Old Testament is marked by a rich history of Levitical Law, customs, and traditions which hold true to this day for Jewish and other religious observers. “Priests” are generally understood to be one who is an agent between humans and God; they often perform certain rites and administer specific sacraments. The Epistle of Hebrews takes an in-depth view of the priesthood order and customs, one which is worth our con...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 2/15/2023

    Feb 15, 2023

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 You might feel caught up in a daze this week, Aries. Your mind continues to wander, but your thoughts will settle down soon enough. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Make an effort to bring more people onto your side, Taurus. You can’t possibly win everyone over, but others might be receptive to your ideas with the right approach. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 A sit down with a higher-up could be in order soon, Gemini. Explain your attributes and what you have been doing for the company and make an effort to compromise, if necessary. CANCER J...

  • Dear Editor: Term Limits

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Feb 8, 2023

    Dear Editor, As you and your readers know by now, I despise politics, especially as they stand in this day and age where the almighty dollar seems to have taken precedence over our precious right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The latest furor concerning the proposed convention of states, in particular, the push for setting stricter term limits has gotten me thinking (I know, DANGEROUS). We’ve heard arguments, both in support of and against the proposal. As far as the arguments against setting (tightening?) term limits, they m...

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