Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
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Language and music are the closest things humans have created to a time machine. Each word we speak and every note we play draws on ideas from the past and projects them into the future. Elevators are probably one of the safest modes of transportation. It’s never really explained how Santa gets into apartment buildings. If a comma is (,) a colon is (:) and a semi colon is (;) then a semi comma is a full stop(.) Christmas lights are less exciting in the Southern Hemisphere because December nights are short. In a future with electric cars, w...
Some bad ideas, despite centuries of consistently negative consequences, come back to haunt the human race over and over again. The economic warfare of “protective” tariffs is one such bad idea that belongs in the dustbin of history, yet incoming president Donald Trump has given it a veneer of patriotic polish, while trotting out all the tired pro-tariff cliches that have been proven so wrong for so long. When a bad idea appears to have eternal life, you can bet its life support is coming from two major factors: (1) widely accepted myth and...
Dear Editor, Pardon me, Joe... why not go big on the way to going home? As long as you're handing out pardons, how about pardoning the debt of millions of hard-working Americans? Debt scammed into existence by a government policy of theft by deception must end. "It is well enough that people of the nation do not understand our banking and monetary system, for if they did, I believe there would be a revolution before tomorrow morning." ― Henry Ford Yes, Joe, your time in the office is short, b...
Georgia, I have a question, What’s the protocol for picking up the check when a couple dines with a single person? When visiting our daughter for the holidays, my husband and I went out to dinner with her, her boyfriend, and her boyfriend’s mother. The mother is a single parent, and we have met her a few times. My husband and I paid for the meal, which he thought was the polite thing to do. However, I disagree, as the boyfriend’s mother is loaded! She has pearls and furs and smells of Christian Dior. Why should we have to pony up for her meal...
Most of us are uneasy when it comes to opposition. The degree of opposition also plays a factor; lesser degrees can be tolerable, while greater degrees can sometimes be seemingly insurmountable. When sharp differences come between us, the potential for that relationship to deteriorate is high. How do you generally handle opposition? Jesus certainly knew something about opposition; opposition existed from His birth in that manger to His death on the cross. After His public ministry started, even community members of His hometown of Nazareth,...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20: Aries, a special person in your life deserves all of your attention. Romance might be on your mind, and you’ll look forward to all the time you can spend together. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21: You may feel artistically inspired this week, Taurus. Explore projects like home improvements or crafting. There are many things to try. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21: Attending a wedding or another special event could move your thoughts in a romantic direction, Gemini. Maybe you’re thinking of taking your relationship to another level? CAN...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Your pioneering spirit is in full swing this week, Aries. Embrace new challenges, and don’t hesitate to get out front and take the lead. You might inspire others with your confidence. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Make finances a priority this week, Taurus. Budgeting could ease some of the financial stress affecting you lately. Indulge in a small luxury as a reward for hard work. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Conversations could be interesting this week, Gemini. You’re curious about what others do when they are home behind closed doo...
When was the last time you heard the phrase, “Repeat after me,” or spoken it? Somehow, we all find ourselves on one side of this scenario: repeating some direction or question with the phrase. Other times, we’re on the receiving end of the phrase, either catching or missing the point. Frustration can surely add to the dilemma when communication breaks down. Jesus often found Himself communicating some direction or teaching with His disciples only to be frustrated with their lack of clarity or even disobedience. It’s important to note that Jesus...
Dear Editor, Despite the fact the headline should have read "River Ranch Gets Green Light as Proposed New Conservation Easement," I am so grateful to the Whitehall Ledger for re-printing the article the Monitor ran two weeks ago. I have had so many gratifying conversations with community members who are interested in knowing about the process. Chad Klinkenborg was my contact at Montana Land Reliance (MLR), and he can be reached at chad@mtlandreliance@gmail.com or 406-570-4271. He explained...
As the crisp air of winter sets in, it brings along more than just cozy holiday sweaters and hot cocoa—it signals the start of respiratory season. With increased cases of colds, flu, and other respiratory illnesses, it’s crucial to take steps to protect yourself and your family. “As we enter the respiratory season, we’re expecting an uptick in viruses like the flu, RSV and COVID-19,” said Dr. Collette Chorney with Intermountain Health. “We’re advising patients to stay proactive about their health—keeping up with vaccinations, practicing good...
There are ten steps to cleaning a slow cooker: Soak, followed by saying nine times, “I thought I got everything.” Humans transformed their apex predators into their best friends. If two motorcyclists driving side by side held hands, they could be considered a car. Someone is living the perfect day right now, but you’ll never know about it because they’re too busy enjoying it to post about it. Morality is often ignored not because it lacks importance but because humanity has yet to find a way to measure it. It’s interesting how singers/p...
Georgia, I have a question, My annual Christmas party is coming up, and I want to uninvite my sister and her fiance. Let me explain. Last year, when asked if she was going, she said with disgust, “I’m not going to that,” but then showed up late, announced her engagement, and left. I would’ve been happy for her, but she didn’t say hello to me, didn’t say goodbye, didn’t even show me the ring. I just heard cheering from the other room, and then, after they left, it was all anyone could talk about. This year, I invited all my siblings again, and i...
2,000 years of humans, and we left the planet for the first time 62 years ago. We’re in the beginning. The universe is so big that light speed isn’t nearly fast enough to get us anywhere on an intergalactic scale. At some point, we shifted the meaning of luck from “something that happened to you” to “something you bring with you and can be spent.” There is an optimal way to load a dishwasher, and everyone thinks they’ve found it. Your right hand has never touched your right elbow without experiencing extreme pain. The Internet is a whole ne...
Dear Editor, At the Montana Nonprofit Association, we strive to uplift and celebrate the contributions and impact of the nonprofit sector across our state. As we approach the 2025 Legislative Session, this work is more important than ever. More than 8,000 charitable nonprofits operate across every region of the state providing essential services and creating the communities we love. Nonprofits are an integral part of communities, providing health services, youth programs, arts and culture, food...
Dear Editor, Representative Ken Walsh is ready to take on new responsibilities as the Montana Legislature prepares to convene for its 69th session on January 6th. Following recent preparatory meetings in Helena, Walsh has been assigned to the influential Appropriations Committee, where he will play a critical role in shaping the state’s budget. Walsh, who represents House District 69, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming session and the opportunities it presents. “The Appropriations Com...
Dear Editor, I get Seth Godin's blog every day. I thought this one was particularly worth sharing. "Thank you" is a complete sentence: It's a way to offer connection or acknowledgment. It's a recognition of feedback and the time it took someone to consider us. We can use it after we share something important, or someone shares with us. More than the end of an exchange, it can be the beginning of a relationship. "Thank you" helps someone feel seen and understood. It reminds us that we're not...
GEORGIA, I have a question, At Thanksgiving dinner at my inlaws this weekend, my mother-in-law handed me several napkins in the middle of the meal. I became very self-conscious, thinking I must be making a mess. I checked my mirror, and everything was fine as far as I could tell, but I still felt embarrassed. Sometimes, I need extra napkins, but I prefer to ask for them myself. On the other hand, I appreciate my mother-in-law's kindness, so I wouldn’t want to discourage her from being alert and helpful. What’s your take? NOT MESSY MESSY EAT...
ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, your energy is impressive and contagious this week. You can use it to tackle tasks you have been putting off. A surprise message could brighten your weekend. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, review your budget and consider a new investment opportunity. This week brings a chance to reconnect with someone special. Don't avoid vulnerability, as it could enhance things. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 You might find yourself in discussions leading to exciting new projects, Gemini. Be open to collaboration and work on improving...
Throughout history, numerous views of Jesus exist. Likewise, the same is true today, depending on your audience. Christmas is fast approaching, and many of us acknowledge that this holiday is all about Jesus; others consider Christmas a time of giving or cheer minus Christ. Ultimately, the question is up to each individual to decide whether to accept the claims of Jesus Christ. I’m certainly not ashamed to share my beliefs regarding Jesus; the foundation of my faith rests on the Bible and solid historical evidence that affirms Christ’s cla...
Dear Editor, The "Deplorables" showed up for the election and demanded change. The economy is the number one issue and needs fixing. Cutting waste and programs is a good start, but not enough. The issue of theft must be addressed. "In the absence of the gold standard, there is no way to protect savings from confiscation through inflation. There is no safe store of value... The financial policy of the welfare state requires that there be no way for the owners of wealth to protect themselves....
Dear Editor, I don't know Donald Trump personally, so I can't say whether I love or hate him. I am definitely NOT a Trumper, for what it's worth. Did I approve of his first stint as President? Does it really matter? Do I believe, as some have implied, that he is America's Messiah? It depends on what one means by Messiah or how they think he will save America. What would that salvation look like? What makes America great? Will we ever see peace in the Middle East? For that matter, what WOULD peac...
Dear Editor, I receive my paper my mail, so it takes me a week to get it. I just read Chiara Schober's letter in the November 13, 2024, issue today, November 22nd. I 1000% agree with her! In looking for the simplest explanation online to refute these rumors, I found an article written by Catherine Beyer in 2018 that says it best. "The truth is that Halloween is associated with Satanism only in certain circumstances and in very recent times. Historically, Halloween has nothing to do with...
In the United States, a national day of giving thanks for what we have is followed by a national day of buying new things to replace what we have. One of the most exciting feelings in the world as a kid was finding a Chuck-e-Cheese token left in the coin return hole. It’s amazing how often we ask questions that we don’t want the real answers to. Your friends will tell you the “Truth” even if it hurts your feelings because they’re concerned for your well-being. This doesn’t necessarily mean their “Truth” is factually or morally correct. Double...
Montana has weighed in on the national, state, and local elections. The most important election results reflect concerns raised by our residents right here in Montana. We look forward to supporting the Governor’s recent “Path to Security and Prosperity” by focusing on economic development, creating more good-paying jobs, and improving family success and prosperity. We are committed to increasing student outcomes through enhanced educational options and greater funding transparency. The statistics show that more school funding does not neces...
Shame on us. In our political discourse, we throw the “isms” around willy-nilly without really discussing – or understanding -- what they actually mean. Liberalism, socialism, Marxism, fascism, conservatism, libertarianism… At election time, we employ these labels to blast or boast about a given candidate. But words have meaning beyond being political hand grenades. Fundamental philosophies of government pace the course of human history and cast the die of our destiny, for good or evil. We fight over government policies and practices, and that...
