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 2031
Dear Editor Last week’s letters to the editor I found interesting. Terry Murphy’s thank you narrative highlighted firefighting cooperation between the local, state, and federal governments working together to serve us in an expedient and efficient manner. In the future, I hope this cooperative example between agencies remains the rule and not the exception. Tony Hudson’s letter pretty much defines the problem and the frustration many of us feel over corporate dark money in election campa...
Dear Editor, I had to read the recent article about Whitehall being selected for an experimental "self-driving snowplow goats" pilot program more than once-partly to make sure I understood it, and partly because I wasn't sure whether to laugh or start looking for a goat harness. Now, I'll admit, Whitehall has never been a stranger to creative problem-solving. We've learned to make do, pitch in, and occasionally come up with ideas that toe the line between practical and downright imaginative. So...
Modern soldiers’ PTSD triggers will probably shift from fireworks to the sound of a drone. Which is unfortunate, as drone shows are replacing firework shows. It feels nice to be told that you’re special or unique, unless the person telling you is a doctor. The “room temperature IQ” zinger hits much harder outside of the US. Our dogs probably think we are weakly barking when we cough. Playing card corners are rounded because square corners would wear down faster, making it easier to tell cards apart. In ancient Chinese history, it made sense for...
Depending on where you live, you may have seen ads attacking conservative legislators for voting to protect rural health care. Let’s be clear about two things. First, these ads are from D.C.-based, dark-money groups that are trying to mislead us and meddle in our local elections. Second, the legislators being targeted actually support President Trump, Governor Gianforte, and their efforts to protect rural health care and our communities. These attacks are politics at its worst. When the bill to protect rural health care came before the Legislat...
GEORGIA, I have a question, I’m getting married in two weeks and requested donuts for my getting-ready breakfast. My maid of honor called me right away and asked if I’m crazy for this request, because I have a dress to fit into. She also stated she would do her best to convince the other bridesmaids not to fulfill this request, as it “wasn’t in my best interest.” I told her the dress has to fit me, not the other way around. There will be six hours between us getting ready and the reception, so if I want a donut, I’ll be damned if I’m being d...
While we are focused on Paul’s letter to the Colossians, it is good to recall that Peter, James, John, and other apostles were also “setting their face like flint” on Jesus the Christ. Paul’s conversion continues this passion, and to the Colossians he issues a firm warning. False teachings have always been the Achilles heel for the church, and this is precisely why Paul wrote the letter to the church in Colossae. We heed the call. “The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created:...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Your confidence is at an all-time high, Aries. This is the week to pitch an idea or finally send that text you’ve been mulling over. The universe is backing your bold moves. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, this week you’re entering a cycle of “treat yourself.” You deserve it right now, so enjoy. Whether it’s a brunch out with friends or a mental health day, lean into the experience. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Expect a random invitation to create a new connection, Gemini. Your wit is extra sharp this week, so use it to charm...
Dear Editor, I wish to thank and to praise the firefighters who handled the fire just east of Doherty Mountain. The effort was incredible considering the heat and the wind they had to deal with. The widespread cooperative support was gratifying. Whitehall Fire, Willow Creek Fire, Three Forks Fire, Harrison Fire, Montana DNRC, U.S. Forest Service, Jefferson County EMS, Jefferson County DES, Jefferson County Sheriff, Jefferson County Dispatch, and Gallatin County Dispatch all deserve the utmost...
Dear Editor: In 1776, Thomas Paine wrote in The American Crisis, "These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country." Paine was describing those who are eager to stand up when times are easy, but disappear when real sacrifice is required. That passage has always stayed with me because it reminds us that public service is supposed to be exactly that-service. Not convenience. Not ambition. And...
Dear Editor, In the last few election cycles, the people of Montana have voted consistently Republican. The Republicans now hold all state and federal offices and majorities in both chambers of the legislature. While in some instances this has been a good change and we have made some progress, in many cases these majorities have not translated into conservative governance of our state. Our state government is still growing, our budgets have not shrunk, and it is operating well outside its consti...
Dear Editor, Who is speaking, and why? One need go no further than the mailbox to realize another election season is upon us. Inside were the usual glossy flyers telling me who to vote for, who not to vote for, and all the reasons why. I filed them where most of them appropriately belong: the trash can. Normally, I file them in bulk. This time, I tossed them in one at a time. As I closed the lid, jumped back in my truck, and started down the road, a thought crossed my mind. Not one of those...
It’s so dumb that if you bite your lip while chewing, it will swell, so it is now much more likely you’ll bite it again. If someone visited Clark Kent’s apartment and found Superman paraphernalia, that would probably actually work with the Clark Kent cover story and make it more believable that he was just a nerd. The power of invisibility would make you blind when active, because light would just pass straight through your eyes. Companies near the airport could make money by selling billboard space on their roofs. It’s hard to poop without pee...
As a member of the Senate Finance and Claims Committee during the 2025 session, I was there for every budget debate, both in committee and on the floor. Term limits have me stepping away from Senate District 14, so I can speak plainly, without worrying about a campaign. A recent editorial column featured a “17% budget explosion” untruth and a rehashed miscategorization of why members of the House and Senate banded together with Democrats to vote on important finance and budget bills. Carl Glimm’s fiscal math and session history could use some...
Montana is a state rooted in fairness, equal rights, and community. I’m willing to wager that the vast majority of Montanans deeply cherish their Constitutional rights, like the First Amendment. And yet, the First Amendment in Montana is under attack from the very people who claim to represent us. Governor Gianforte quietly decided that because he doesn’t spend time at the Capitol on the weekends, neither can the general public. At Gianforte’s beck and call, state officials changed permitting rules to effectively ban weekend rallies at the P...
GEORGIA, I have a question, I was dining within inches of an occupied table for two at a restaurant. One of the men at that table asked his dining companion whether he knew where the restroom was. He didn’t. I had asked the same question of a waiter, now nowhere in sight, 15 minutes earlier. I told the diner that the restroom was outside the main room of the restaurant, in the hallway of the office building in which the restaurant was located, and pointed out the exit to use to get there. The diner snippily said, “Thank you for the inf...
The Church, as recorded in the Bible, then as now faced counterfeit messages. Colossae, pronounced [call’-aw see], is our next focus from Paul’s imprisonment, and I am using the word counterfeit because Paul warns of severe deception he’s learned about, that this small community was facing. The richness of cultures that lived side by side in this fertile land fostered great learning. Call it an earlier Melting Pot. The mysticism faced by the ‘baby’ Christians lured them toward hot water. Jewish legalism was also mixed with Greek and other anc...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 A project you have been working on for some time finally reaches a successful conclusion, Aries. Enjoy the benefits it brings and take a well-earned bow. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, sensory delights might fill your week. Good food, music, and company are your rewards. Enjoy everything and savor each moment. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 A long-awaited response brings a smile to your face, Gemini. It is just the news you were hoping for, and maybe even better than you expected. Now you can move forward with confidence. CANCER...
Dear Editor Last week's letters to the editor I found interesting. Terry Murphy's thank you narrative highlighted firefighting cooperation between the local, state, and federal governments working together to serve us in an expedient and efficient manner. In the future, I hope this cooperative example between agencies remains the rule and not the exception. Tony Hudson's letter pretty much defines the problem and the frustration many of us feel over corporate dark money in election campaigns....
Dear Editor, Montanans Should Support Christi Jacobsen – PERIOD. Montanans have never been afraid of a fight-especially when it's a fight to protect our state, our freedoms, and the integrity of our elections. That's why I believe Montana needs to send Christi Jacobsen to Congress. When Christi first ran for Secretary of State, the political insiders in Helena said it couldn't be done. She wasn't the candidate the establishment wanted. Her opponent was a former Secretary of State and the P...
Dear Editor, I would like to comment on both Letters to the Editor published in the Whitehall Ledger's March 11, 2026, issue by Roger Koopman and Senator Phalen (MT SD-17). Concerning Mr. Koopman's letter, I find myself agreeing with a few of his points. Specifically, I agree with the negative impact on democracy caused by Senator Daine's political manipulations in his attempt to ordain his chosen successor. Daines has proven to my satisfaction that he is a politician first and foremost and is...
Dear Editor, President Donald Trump wants to put Katie Lane, a Virginia attorney, on the United States District Court for the District of Montana. Let's skip the polite fiction. She is not qualified. This isn't about ideology. I practiced before conservative judges for decades. I respected them because they were prepared, disciplined, and deeply experienced. They understood judging because they first mastered trying cases. That is the point. The U.S. District Court is not a debating club or a...
Dear Editor, Montana doesn't need more data centers. Period. Our state built its economy on clean water, public lands, agriculture, local businesses, and responsible resource development. If more data centers come to Montana, they need to pay the full cost of the infrastructure they require. They must not drive up electric rates for existing customers or make a call on our water. Without fair compensation and careful planning, this novel industry has the potential to displace productive...
If you are worried about the impact of climate change on our shared future, you’re not alone. Many of us are familiar with the economic impacts of climate-fueled disasters, including recent widespread flooding in Libby. A report from Climate Central calculated that climate change caused $115 billion in economic damages in 2025. Yet, you may not have considered the growing emotional and psychological toll of the climate crisis. Young people are especially worried about the future we’re lea...
Serving the people of House District 69 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. For the past six years, we’ve worked together to strengthen water policy, protect our health care system, support public education, enhance conservation and infrastructure, ensure fiscal responsibility, and stand up for rural communities. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished — and I’m running for re-election because there is more work to do to keep SW Montana the best place to live, work, and raise a family. I’ve spent my life in Madison County. I graduated...
With neural implants, we are probably close to a “Sleep Now” switch for the human brain. Squirrels and guinea pigs both figured out how to solve the rat charisma problem, but in different ways. Chicken might be the only animal for which Googling it often shows pictures of it cooked instead of alive. You know you are overthinking when a simple text turns into a full conversation in your head. In 2006, a ringing phone was a social invitation. In 2026, it’s a suspicious activity report. Phone cameras need a “junk photo” setting for all those thr...
