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  • 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...

  • Dear Editor: Way to Go Cardwell

    ARCYLLE SHAW|Feb 8, 2023

    Dear Editor, What a wonderful front-page story of the recognition of the Cardwell School being Montana’s number-one elementary school! That must be really encouraging to the staff at the school. In 1918, school districts 16 and 31 consolidated to establish the Jefferson Island - Cardwell School. This included a High School until 1934 when the High School district consolidated with the Whitehall Schools. Since the closure of the High School, students who graduate 8th grade continue their education in the Whitehall School system. Looking back, I...

  • Dear Editor: Facts Matter

    JAMES REIFF|Feb 8, 2023

    Dear Editor, FACTS MATTER, especially when applied in and around schools that are teaching our kids. Even, perhaps especially, when they don’t tell us what we want them to. My family has lived and worked in the Jefferson Valley for over 125 years, and I have many family members that attended and graduated from Cardwell School, including my mom. So when I saw the front page of the Whitehall Ledger today I was very excited to hear that a school in our community was getting such great accolades. I am also a Whitehall School Board trustee, and a p...

  • Thought Provokers: 2/8/2023

    Feb 8, 2023

    One unforeseen aspect of becoming a parent is that suddenly you are open to a whole new genre of nightmares that involve losing your kid. You’ll never see your own ears attached to your head. You may see a picture or a reflection of them, but you’ll never see your actual ears. In our lifespan, we don’t even get to meet 1% of the human population. Dogs don’t wipe, and then we let them go sit on our couch. Perhaps we prefer soft yellow lit lamps over ceiling lights because they more closely resemble the campfires our ancestors found comfort...

  • Just Ask Georgia: 2/8/2023

    Georgia|Feb 8, 2023

    Georgia, I have a question, My family was having a reunion and we had a big dinner. I was sitting next to an aunt that I’d only met one other time and she was talking about something really boring, and crying and wailing at the dinner table. I had to fart, so I let one out and it was really horrible. One of my brothers laughed and the aunt went hysterical and my mom sent me to bed without dinner. Why would this be considered rude? Tootie Toddy Dear Tootie, It sounds as if your parents did not inform you that bodily functions should be done i...

  • Connecting Point: Next Rest Stop, 60 Miles

    Feb 8, 2023

    From west to east, Montana’s northern border stretches 545 miles. Then, more to the middle of the state along the freeway I-90 spans the greatest distance in one state at 552 miles across. Driving at a sane speed of 75mph, it takes close to 8 hours to make the trip—nonstop! I, for one, when it comes to road travel prefer to get from point A to point B as fast as possible. Just a few years ago family trips challenged me. Inevitably, I too soon heard from one of the kids, “I’ve got to go, bad! When’s the next stop, Dad?” All this to introduce C...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 2/8/2023

    Feb 8, 2023

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Excessive spending in recent days may have you feeling nervous about your finances, Aries. In addition to bills, you could be waiting to be reimbursed. Be patient. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may have been working so hard that you haven’t had time to spend with family and friends lately. Clear your calendar and make some time for recreation. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 This week you may lock yourself behind closed doors and enjoy some alone time for a change, Gemini. Relax with a good book or binge-watch some television. C...

  • Clarification on Last Front Page

    Feb 8, 2023

    Last week’s front page article reporting that Family Minded online had honored Cardwell School with Best Elementary School in Montana received a lot of attention. However, was it warranted? As you’ll see below, there are several Letters to the Editor regarding the article. The Whitehall School also sent out letters to all the elementary parents showing their test scores were better than Cardwell’s. However, I feel the point was missed. Last year the Screams Come True Haunted House I created was named best in Montana by Travel Pulse onlin...

  • Dear Editor: Jim Buterbaugh is Right

    TIM MARDEN|Feb 1, 2023

    Dear Editor, Jim Buterbaugh wrote a recent letter espousing the value of education in our country’s founding documents. To some, I know this makes me sound like a curmudgeon of old school-ism but it is true. Jim is right. Most arguments for the Convention of States about reigning in the Feds stem out of a lack of education/understanding of our founding documents. Anyone who has read those documents knows all the points COS promoters try to make are already addressed. The checks and balances are already there. They just need to be followed. W...

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