Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Sorted by date Results 826 - 850 of 1554
Dear Jo, Well, happy doggone spring! The sun is finally out. There are actually green areas in the grass. Baby calves and lambs are everywhere. People should have that spring smile on their faces....shouldn’t they? But noooooooo, all I seem to encounter are grumpy, disgruntled folks. People seem to be crabby, complaining about silly things, and just generally unhappy. What happened to the smiles, comments on the beautiful sun, excitement about starting gardens, etc...? Signed, In Spring Shock Dear Spring, You get out there and spread spring che...
Some matters are timeless, seen through the generations, and noticeable in every culture. Certainly, the clock ticks forward and we see continuous advances in technology but for the most part, humans are predictable throughout history. We tend to make poor judgment calls. For example, court cases can leave one’s head spinning, unjust outcomes. Due to some technicality, killers may walk freely or blatant criminal acts are overlooked. True victims can watch in dismay with a judicial system that is seriously broken. Sadly there are some cases w...
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 A strong urge to be alone arises this week, Aries. If this happens, turn off your phone and put a message that you’re not to be disturbed until you’re ready for some company. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Yours may turn into the party house this week when a lot of uninvited visitors show up and expect to socialize. It’s a good thing you have the energy to spare right now, Taurus. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Errands are not going to complete themselves, Gemini. Schedule time this week to get all of your ducks in a row. You have oblig...
This voting season brings candidates for County Commissioner and County Sheriff, as well as a variety of mill levies. While some are hotly debated (see Letter to Editor on page 3), others feel needed due to years of unchanged budgets. The Jefferson County Library system has not had a budget increase since 2004. In those eighteen years, so many things have changed in the libraries that it is hard to note them all. The Whitehall Community Library alone receives over 80,000 visits per year;...
Dear Editor, Many folks, including the local Animal Shelter & Care Committee (AS&CC), are passionate and have concerns regarding abandoned and abused animals and their related care. Here are a few questions I believe are important for all taxpayers to consider comparing the social benefits and economic costs for the upcoming consideration of the Permanent 9 mill levy ballot issue: • Why 9 mills, as well as why permanent (forever)? • Should the county taxpayers finance a “conceptual” facility (without a specific approved size and plan) that wi...
Dear Editor, There are four individuals running to replace Leonard Wortman as Jefferson County Commissioner and there are many good things to be said about all of them. Leonard Wortman did an excellent job as Jefferson County Commissioner for quite a few years. I want to thank him for the job he did, but it leaves us with an election and a decision for a new County Commissioner. Mary Janacaro-Hensleigh has served the town of Whitehall as Mayor for several years. She is running for the County Commissioner job and has much experience in local...
As an adult, you can just buy a cake even when it's not your birthday and eat the whole thing. No one can stop you! When men play hard to get, it makes women want them more. When women play hard to get, men think they aren’t interested. Maybe the grass seems greener on the other side because you’re not over there messing it up. In 100 years people are going to fail history tests on stuff we lived through. People wearing pajamas in public have either given up on life or are living it to the fullest. People making noise while they eat is inc...
Dear Jo, Do you have someone in your life who is always there to help you? My friend is so amazing. She just takes control of what needs to be done and goes at it. I benefit from the amazing way she just takes on anything and breaks it down into manageable pieces. Sometimes, however, it feels too fast and too much for me. I need to process one step at a time and she just powers through. Do I ask her to slow down and let me process? Signed, A Bit Behind Dear Behind, Send up a prayer of thanks for an Amazon of a friend and you do you. Signed, Jo...
The drumbeat of war is sounding loud and clear. All the atrocities which are occurring in Ukraine are deeply troubling; certainly Russia, specifically Putin, is demonstrating to the world his self-interest. Ukrainians have fled in droves, while others are losing their lives standing up to the Russian military. Sadly, many people of various nations are suffering the consequences of this unjust act, including many in Russia and Europe. Present tensions are higher than most of us have seen in decades and the world is watching with much angst. Let...
As part of a multigeneration farm/ranch family in the Gallatin Valley, I understand the vital importance of protecting our land and water resources. Farmers’ and ranchers’ stewardship of the land and water is our livelihood. When I heard of the proposed ballot initiative 191 that would apply new, strict regulations to stretches of the Gallatin and Madison rivers—the type of regulations usually reserved for national parks and wilderness areas—I looked at the fine print. The proponents are selling this initiative as a move to protect the rivers....
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, a mild feeling of discontent has you searching for new projects. There may be something that has been on your to-do list, but you can’t seem to figure it out right now. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 A lot of things are keeping you on your toes, Taurus. There’s a good chance you have been craving some quiet time. Find a retreat and stay there for a couple of days. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 There are no obstacles in your way on the path to success this week, Gemini. If you have been holding off on big plans, now is the time to pus...
Super bright headlights have probably caused more accidents than their increased driver visibility has helped to avoid. The tallest person in the world has physically experienced being the exact height of every other person in the world at some point. Lying on a trillion grains of sand feels better than lying on sheets with 3 grains of sand on it. If you work on a farm and your job is to take care of chickens, you are a chicken tender. The dirtier the mind is, the cleaner the browser history is. After all these years, they still never told us...
Dear Editor, I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and I mentioned to him the quality of the medical team we have in Whitehall. After thinking about it for a minute I decided to share that information with the community to share both my gratitude to the medical providers and acknowledge their contribution to the community. We live in a small town in Montana and have both a medical team that does an excellent job of taking care of people in the community and an ambulance service that is staffed by volunteers that are always ready to...
Dear Editor, For years we have watched as our government becomes less involved with our southern border. Now it is to the point where the border is wide open. People are coming into this country and we have no idea where they are from, what they have done in the past, or what their intentions are. Many I know talk about the lives these people are leaving behind. The poverty, the threats from gangs, the crimes, and the sufferings they live through. What they do not want to hear about is the crime coming in with an open border. And it is an open...
Dear Jo, This past weekend was Easter. I have always grown up in church. I have friends who are agnostic, Mormon, Pagan - the gamut. I love them all and respect them. The problem lies in whether or not I can date someone with a different belief system than myself. Not just a different belief system, but one that directly contradicts my basic beliefs. Is it a futile effort to even try? Signed, Praying for Clarity Dear Praying, Oooh boy! That, my friend, is a question only you can answer. Just be true to yourself. Signed, Jo Dear Jo, Boy oh boy,...
Words are powerful, and the tongue can be used for good or evil. The Bible provides a vast amount of guidance regarding speech; “tongue” is mentioned over one hundred times. There is wisdom in keeping a close reign on our conversations, King Solomon recognized this when he wrote, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens…a time to be silent and a time to speak,” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7b). God’s Word is our guide and is intentional; knowledge is to be coupled with wisdom. One can have all the “head” know...
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, now is a great time to try your hand at a new creative pursuit. You may be surprised at the results. Encourage others to join and embrace a collaborative effort. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, this is the ideal week to get outdoors more. The great outdoors can be a medicinal, so take advantage of any opportunity to bask in the fresh air. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, it is easy to get frustrated with a close friend or romantic partner who is less ambitious than you. Try to be patient, as each person moves at their own...
You know you’re getting old when you fall and everyone around you immediately worries instead of laughs. The stomach is smarter than the brain because it vomits garbage food. The brain absorbs any garbage information it sees. If we had planted trees instead of carving gravestones, we may have avoided some climate issues. A truly intelligent person never acts like they know everything because they know they don’t. We’ve probably scrolled millions of miles with our thumbs. One of the more realistic things about Monopoly is that you can buy yours...
Dear Editor, Jefferson County residents have an important decision to make in this coming primary election on June 7th. As a former 4-term legislator from Clancy, I’m supporting the re-election of our proven State Representative Marta Bertoglio from Montana City. Marta grew up in Deer Lodge and clearly understands and supports our rural Montana values. She’s a devoted wife and mother and is a strong pro-life supporter. As an Air Force Academy graduate, she served our country honorably, is proudly patriotic, and unreservedly supports our 2nd...
Dear Editor, We would like to lend our support to Jim Buterbaugh to represent Jefferson County as your next county commissioner. We believe Jim is well-qualified to care for county property and manage the business and concerns of the people. Personally, Jim has cared for the grounds at Echo Valley Campground, as well as the Cardwell School. He has the interest of the people at heart. He has taken an active role and interest in the political arena and is not afraid to speak for his beliefs. We know him to be a Christian, to act fairly in...
We are accustomed to holidays and the marketing madness. I’m certain you’ve seen the Easter baskets, Cadbury eggs, and plethora of other candies available? The other evening strolling through Target the smell of the sweets was quite overwhelming to my senses and I like those tasty morsels, but it was too much! By the way, I used restraint and didn’t purchase any junk food. Have holidays lost much of their meaning or at least their original intention? I’m afraid so and this concerns me as a follower of Jesus. Please understand I’m not an extrem...
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, daydreams could tempt you away from your work this week. Try to stay grounded, but explore creative pursuits. Make time on your schedule for such activities. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, call a meeting with business partners or prospective partners and embrace creative collaboration this week. Being part of a team will get the ideas flowing. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, professional goals can become a reality this week, as the stars are aligned with the sector that governs career matters. Go after the work you want pr...
As one door closes, another opens. Isn’t that the old saying? In my life, this seems to ring true. As many readers may know, I have a passion for singing. I’ve been singing in our local band, Homemade Jam, for several years; then transitioned to a different band when COVID-19 did its damage to Homemade Jam. I’ve sung all over the area and loved every minute of it. In February my singing came to a screeching halt. At band practice, while singing, I heard a loud pop in my ear and immediately knew something was wrong. A week later, singing at a fr...
Suicide is the twelfth leading cause of death in this country and in Montana, the second leading cause of death for our youth. It touches millions of lives and people of all ages. The research is clear: suicide is preventable. The more people who stand up for suicide prevention, the more lives are saved. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Montana Chapter will be hosting its 6th Annual Out of the Darkness Campus Walk to fight suicide on April 23, 2022, at 1 PM at East Helena High...
Dear Editor, In the Whitehall Ledger on 3/23/22, there was an opinion piece by Jim Smith of the Daily Montanan pointing out Congressman Rosendale’s no votes. When Matt ran for office, one of the platforms he ran on was costs. When it comes to saving the taxpayer money, Matt is no stranger. As Montana Insurance Commissioner, he trimmed the fat and saved the Montana taxpayer a chunk of dough. Mr. Smith compared Congressman Rosendale’s no votes to a child suffering from arrested development. Then he threw in a bunch of bills that Matt voted no on....
