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  • Dear Editor: A Thank You to the Land That Now Surrounds Me

    RUTH LOTT|Dec 11, 2024

    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...

  • OpEd: Stay Protected This Respiratory Season

    DR. COLLETTE CHORNEY, Intermountain Health|Dec 11, 2024

    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...

  • Thought Provokers: 12/11/2024

    Dec 11, 2024

    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...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 12/11/2024

    GEORGIA|Dec 11, 2024

    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...

  • Thought Provokers: 12/4/2024

    Dec 4, 2024

    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: MT Nonprofit Association Advocating for Montana's Nonprofits

    ADAM JESPERSEN, Montana Nonprofit Association|Dec 4, 2024

    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 for Your Issues

    KENNETH WALSH|Dec 4, 2024

    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: Thank You is a Complete Sentence

    RUTH LOTT|Dec 4, 2024

    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...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 12/4/2024

    GEORGIA|Dec 4, 2024

    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...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 12/4/2024

    Dec 4, 2024

    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...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Who Is This Jesus?

    BILL LANES|Dec 4, 2024

    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

    BOB WAGNER|Nov 27, 2024

    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: Will Trump Be Able to Make America Great Again?

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Nov 27, 2024

    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: Lend a Hand Next Year and Stop the Rumors

    CAREY BURNSIDE|Nov 27, 2024

    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...

  • Thought Provokers: 11/27/2024

    Nov 27, 2024

    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...

  • Op-Ed: Montana Weighed In - We Are Listening

    MARTA BERTOGLIO and BECKY BEARD|Nov 27, 2024

    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...

  • Op-Ed: Fundamental Ideas are the Wellsprings of Liberty and Tyranny

    ROGER KOOPMAN, Montana Conservative Alliance|Nov 27, 2024

    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...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 11/27/2024

    GEORGIA|Nov 27, 2024

    Georgia, I have a question, My fourteen-year-old daughter just had her baby last week. She chose to name her daughter Prayerleigh Annnejanston. I absolutely hate the name. I don’t know what to do. Do I voice my concerns or just let her do her own thing since she’s an adult now? NAME HATIN’ Dear HATIN’, Oh my, oh my, oh my. There is so much to unpack in that one short paragraph. 14. Fourteen. FOURTEEN. Your 14-year-old CHILD just had a CHILD of her own. She IS NOT an adult, as you stated, but a little girl who is probably scared of what her futu...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Numbers That Don't Add Up

    BILL LANES|Nov 27, 2024

    One of the couple extraordinary scenes in the New Testament includes the days when Jesus miraculously feeds thousands of people; two separate accounts occur, all of which are recorded by Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Numerous other miracles occurred as Jesus interacted with people. He defied normal logic yet was down-to-earth and practical. Let’s focus on Luke’s account… “When the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus what they had done. Then he took them with him and they withdrew by themselves to a town called Bethsaida, but the crowds...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 11/27/2024

    Nov 27, 2024

    ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, be careful what you ask for, as things have a funny way of coming true for you this week. Censor your thoughts for now, and perhaps hold your cards closer to the vest. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may have a lot of anxious thoughts right now. Friends provide a welcome diversion later in the week, and you also may want to put in more hours at work to stay distracted. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, plans aren’t panning out as you’d hoped, so consider other opportunities. Stop and consider all the pos...

  • Dear Editor: A Heartfelt Thank You to the Whitehall Community

    THE KOENIG FAMILY|Nov 20, 2024

    Dear Editor, Three weeks ago, I received a dreaded phone call late at night from Whitehall Emergency Services; our sixteen-year-old son was involved in a serious vehicle crash. Today, my wife, Cori, and I write to express our deepest gratitude to the Whitehall community for your overwhelming support during this trying time. On October 26, our son made a mistake that many experienced drivers have made before, including myself. While driving, I have momentarily removed my seatbelt to reach for...

  • Thought Provokers: 11/20/2024

    Nov 20, 2024

    Tall people get hotter showers. Island countries are sea-locked countries. Coffins should be biodegradable. It’s a little surprising there isn’t a driving test between getting licensed and being elderly. The faster we go East to West, the slower we’re going. AI will eventually lead people away from being creators to being curators. Fictional characters get their memory erased every time you rewatch the movie/episode or restart the game. You can’t prove that a bottomless pit is bottomless. The first person to discover that you could nail ho...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 11/20/2024

    GEORGIA|Nov 20, 2024

    GEORGIA, I have a question, This morning, my husband showed me a great sale on an artificial Christmas tree. It was about the price we paid for fresh trees for two years. We both want to switch to an artificial tree. My 23-year-old daughter lives with us, and she insists that we continue the tradition of getting a real tree. I feel that since she plans on getting her own place soon, she shouldn’t get a vote. She can have whatever kind of tree she wants when she moves out. I also feel that even if she did get a vote, her opinion doesn’t hav...

  • CONNECTING POINT: What's All The Fuss?

    BILL LANES|Nov 20, 2024

    Communities, large and small, have been turned upside down for various reasons, including political unrest, crime, natural disasters, economics, and more. Word travels fast, whether living in the 1st century or the 21st century; that’s the nature of humanity. However, technology seems to have enabled this to occur at lightning speed today. If you’ve ever thumbed through the Bible, particularly the first four books of the New Testament, a reader quickly recognizes that the earthly ministry of Jesus turned communities upside down. Word of mou...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 11/20/2024

    Nov 20, 2024

    ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, put aside any errant musings and give important tasks your utmost attention this week. Energy is better spent on others, so keep this in mind when busy. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, your coworkers are all excited and fussing over a new development. Maintain an even keel as you assess the situation. You can be curious but be guarded as well. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, your love life is perfect this week, enabling you to spend quality time with your special someone. A romantic dinner sounds like a good plan. CAN...

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