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  • Op-Ed: Think Carefully About Supporting Ranked Choice Voting

    KEN TOOLE, Montana Democratic Party|Oct 2, 2024

    There are two initiatives on the ballot which will change how elections are conducted in Montana. These initiatives change our constitution. They are promoting a relatively untested “ranked choice” system which has only been adopted by two other states. Constitutional Initiative 125 replaces Montana’s open party primaries with a primary that puts all candidates on the same ballot. The top four vote getters then advance to the general election. Constitutional Initiative 126 requires whoever wins the general election to have 50% + 1 of votes in o...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 10/2/2024

    GEORGIA|Oct 2, 2024

    Georgia, I have a question, I sell adult content on a few different platforms. It’s not a big secret, but I also don’t really talk about it to most people I know. My sister-in-law’s husband recently paid for a subscription to one of my spicy pages. As much as I can, I remove and block, refuse to sell to, people who are local to me. However, his subscription somehow slipped through. I told and showed my husband when it came up, and I asked him if he wanted to tell his sister. He said kind of, but he didn’t want to deal with family drama if he d...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Family Dishonor?

    BILL LANES|Oct 2, 2024

    From a casual reading of Luke 8:19-21, one might mistakenly assume that Jesus is harsh or somehow dishonors His family. “Now Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, ‘Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you.’ He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.’” Luke cites two other occurrences which “seem” even more provocative. In chapter 9 several men expressed interest in following Jesus. Take n...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 10/2/2024

    Oct 2, 2024

    ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Even though you told yourself you’d just suck it up and get through the week, you’re having a change of heart, Aries. Some modifications are necessary to navigate the waters. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, all bets are off this week, especially if you’ve been smoothing over your emotions to get along with someone close by. All true feelings are bound to come to the surface. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 This week, Gemini, you may not be feeling like yourself. Low energy may have you feeling out of sorts. Spend some time with...

  • Dear Editor: In Support of Judge Dan Wilson

    Hon. DANNI COFFMAN, Flathead County District Court Judge|Sep 25, 2024

    Dear Editor, It is a common refrain that voters know little to nothing about judicial candidates. It is for this reason that I am sharing my experiences with Judge Dan Wilson, candidate for the Montana Supreme Court. As someone who had previously appeared as an attorney before Judge Wilson, served as a substitute Justice of the Peace in his court (prior to him being elected as District Court Judge), served with him in Rotary, and now works with him as a District Court Judge in the Eleventh...

  • Dear Editor: In Support of Shannon O'Brien

    JUNEAU McCULLOCH and KEENAN|Sep 25, 2024

    Dear Editor, Questionable spending, suspension of fiscal responsibilities, who's looking out for the children? $67 million! That's the amount state auditors recently reported as State Superintendent of Schools Elsie Arntzen's "questionable spending" of federal pass-through money intended for local public schools. It is the responsibility of the state superintendent to ensure that federal money is allocated for its intended purposes and to hold schools accountable for how they spend those...

  • Thought Provokers: 9/25/2024

    Sep 25, 2024

    Generation X is a placeholder until hindsight provides a better descriptor. It’s possible that the only animals that live on all seven continents are humans and penguins. Asking a good question is a skill. A plastic, screw-top bottle of Coca-Cola would have been a one-of-a-kind luxury 150 years ago. 300 years ago, it would have an energy potion in a magical bottle. Today, it’s tooth-rotting garbage packaged in trash. When a story ends with the protagonist waking up from a dream, it breaks your suspension of disbelief and the character’s suspe...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 9/25/2024

    GEORGIA|Sep 25, 2024

    Georgia, I have a question, My (32f) fiance Peter (30m) had arranged a candle-lit dinner in a hotel room. There were flowers, rose peddles, and music. It was my favorite dinner and my favorite dessert. Peter was in a tuxedo, and I was wearing a dress. That evening was amazing. While I was eating, my IBS started acting up. I ran to the bathroom. It was mortifying, but I was comfortable enough with Peter to allow him to come in. I apologized for ruining our evening while on the toilet, and he said it was okay. I felt he wanted to ask me to marry...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Are the Lights On?

    BILL LANES|Sep 25, 2024

    I appreciate living in the modern age as an American, we have so many connivances and advancements in technology including electricity, lights, heating, cooling, running water and sewer, transportation, internet services, and so much more. Others are less fortunate around the world, so we should keep this in mind. Many incorrectly assume Thomas Edison invented the light bulb. While it is true that in 1878, Thomas Edison first patented the incandescent lightbulb to become commercially available, the invention of the lightbulb belongs to Humphry...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 9/25/2024

    Sep 25, 2024

    ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, a complex problem may require you to take a step back and consider a different approach. Start fresh in a few days. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 A happy accident reconnects you with someone you haven’t seen in quite a while, Taurus. The rekindled relationship may lead to something even more concrete over the coming weeks. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, there is so much going on right now you may feel like your head is spinning. Start dividing your tasks into a more manageable list and see if others can pitch in. CANCER -...

  • Dear Editor: A Letter to Montana Hunters

    JENNIFER RAMSEY|Sep 18, 2024

    Dear Montana Hunters [and Editor], You can help prevent the spread of chronic wasting disease in Montana’s herds of elk, deer, and moose by getting your animal tested. By testing your animal for CWD, you are not only protecting our herds, but also the future of our hunting opportunities. Your test results help Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks gather data to evaluate the effectiveness of CWD management. FWP needs samples not only from hunting districts (HDs) where CWD is known to be, but also in H...

  • Dear Editor: Montanans should demand better for our wildlife and our democracy

    JOE PERRY|Sep 18, 2024

    Dear Editor, Montanans should demand better for our wildlife and our democracy. I am a 70-year-old, retired farmer. I am a 4th generation Montanan and a lifelong avid hunter, angler, and conservationist. I have a degree in Wildlife Biology and research experience on large predators. I started farming in 1977. I own Circle S Ranch in eastern Montana and pay property taxes in 5 counties. I have always shared the bounty of the ranch with sportsmen, sportswomen and conservationists for free. No one...

  • Dear Editor: Almost Witnessed a Catastrophe

    BILL KENWORTHY|Sep 18, 2024

    Dear Editor and Whitehall residents, As I saw the terrible car accidents in Bozeman that killed two people and a dog on a sidewalk, I and three other people were coming out of the K-Bar cafe on August 8th, about 3:15 PM. We saw a bright yellow car traveling west to east on Legion Avenue, going about 60 MPH. At the crosswalk by the railroad tracks on the south side of Division and Legion, two people started to step out to cross with the fast-coming car headed their way. We saw they jumped back;...

  • Thought Provokers: 9/18/2024

    Sep 18, 2024

    In the future, when colds or headaches can be instantly cured by advanced technology, most people will have to think of a better excuse for canceling appointments. Someone else probably has that song stuck in their head, too. We may never know specifically where many of our memories, especially from childhood, occurred. On average, people with great cardio will swallow fewer flies while walking than people with poor cardio. Lifeguards in the ‘80s must have walked around with strange facial tan lines and a much paler nose bridge. Given how m...

  • Op Ed: The Republican Party Platform - A Reply

    JIM BUTERBAUGH|Sep 18, 2024

    I read Don Lepinsky's op-ed with great awe. Amazing. Capable of analytical thought? Distressing? Feel-good talking points? Oh my! Now, I realize Don is a hardcore Democrat. The proof is in talking to him and his ridiculous sign by the Interstate. I have had many discussions with him, and we are always civil. The one thing that had always bothered me was that I would give him facts and where to find them on the internet, but I don’t think he ever looked them up. But his op-ed. It is so full of it that I can not let it be. The first thing that m...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 9/18/2024

    GEORGIA|Sep 18, 2024

    Georgia, I have a question, Am I wrong to ask a customer if she wants her penny back? I work in a local retail establishment while figuring out the next stages of my life. At my location, a popularly purchased item is $1.99. Of my customers, 90% of them hand me $2 when purchasing said item, and 95% of those customers will leave without a word. The other 5% vocalize they don’t want the penny in change. Towards the end of my shift today, a customer came through, purchased the item, and handed me $2 as payment. I asked her if she wanted her p...

  • CONNECTING POINT: Grace that Can Change the World

    BILL LANES|Sep 18, 2024

    Last week in the Look What the Doctored Ordered series, based on Luke’s account found in the New Testament, I brought forward the idea that Jesus was a world changer. Jesus was “revolutionary” or often “counterculture” in today’s terms. He was somewhat radical but not so extreme, where He discounted the core truths of Judaism. Jesus did follow many Jewish practices and aspects of the Law; however, He came to fulfill the messianic prophecy: “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 9/18/2024

    Sep 18, 2024

    ARIES - Mar 21/Apr 20 A disagreement may have you questioning a relationship this week, Aries. Do not get ahead of yourself, as you’ll figure out that the turmoil will subside soon enough. TAURUS - Apr 21/May 21 Group activities or time spent with a significant other may not go as well as usual this week, Taurus. With your mind elsewhere, focusing on having fun is hard, and others will catch on. GEMINI - May 22/Jun 21 Do not believe everything you hear this week, Gemini. There are a lot of rumors floating around, and only a portion of what i...

  • Dear Editor: Promoting Humane Treatment of Animals...

    CHERYL HASSAKKER, Jeffco ASC|Sep 11, 2024

    Dear Editor, "Promoting humane treatment of animals through shelter, education and spay/neuter endeavors in Jefferson County, MT." Join us on our mission to provide a better future for our furry friends. Since Jefferson County does not have animal control services or an animal shelter, the AS&C has been first responders, saving animals using our chip readers and Foster Care network. With grateful hearts and paws, together, we have made a difference in the lives of many lost and found animals in...

  • Dear Editor: We are Saddened the Matter has Come to This Juncture

    WHITEHALL TOWN COUNCIL and MAYOR HENSLEIGH, Town of Whitehall|Sep 11, 2024

    Dear Editor, As members of the Whitehall Town Council and Mayor Mary Janacaro Hensleigh, we are saddened that the matter with the Whitehall Saddle Club has reached this juncture. It's our view that the Whitehall Saddle Club, over many decades, has put time and great effort into making the rodeo arena better; we appreciate those endeavors and their volunteers hosting events. However, we believe the grants and donations for the Rec Facility procured by the Whitehall Saddle Club were always...

  • Dear Editor: Thank You to Those Who Helped

    JEFF FRINK, Whitehall Saddle Club|Sep 11, 2024

    Dear Editor, I would like to thank everyone who showed up on Saturday, the 17th of August, to help in the arena. JEFF FRINK Vice President Whitehall Saddle Club...

  • Dear Editor: Change is Coming to Our Little Town

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Sep 11, 2024

    Dear Editor, Yes, I'm harping on the shop local thing again! Before I get too far though, I must admit that I DO shop at Walmart once a month. The reason? The local grocery store does not accept my Humana Healthy Benefits card and Walmart does. This is not the ONLY reason, though it IS the MAIN reason. One thing many may not consider concerning the slightly higher prices local merchants charge is their own overhead. For instance, the asking price for whatever given item may be somewhat lower,...

  • Dear Editor: Endorsing Nancy Jane Lien

    LAWRENCE PETTIT|Sep 11, 2024

    Dear Editor, I am pleased to endorse Nancy Jane Lien for Montana House District 75. Nancy Jane was a Political Science honors student when I was a Professor at Montana State. She served as an intern at Montana's Constitutional Convention. I have followed Nancy's career in business and public service, and know her super powers are customer service and mediation, skills she will bring to representing all the people of Jefferson County. As a Montana farm girl Nancy understands the value of...

  • Thought Provokers: 9/11/2024

    Sep 11, 2024

    There are only 11 days a month where you can switch the day and month by mistake. You’re the most predictable person you know. You can make more people laugh with one comment online than you do your whole in-person life. Freedom is free. Taking someone else’s freedom requires energy and resources. Alphabet books never prepared me for how little quince I would encounter growing up. And unless your career is music-oriented, your window for xylophones probably ended in kindergarten. The “best movies of all time” discussions are usually dominat...

  • Op Ed: The Republican Party Platform

    DON LEPINSKY|Sep 11, 2024

    Has anyone had a chance to read the Republican Party platform? Its policies are mostly a collection of vague talking points out of touch with reality. Anyone who has read this document and is capable of analytical thought has probably come to a conclusion similar to mine: that this manifesto, as a whole, is an unmitigated disaster waiting to happen. What is distressing is not what it contains but what is missing. First, let me briefly critique a few issues mentioned in the platform. The platform has a lot of feel-good talking points on...

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