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  • Dear Editor: No More Public Restrooms

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Mar 9, 2022

    Dear Editor, It saddens me a letter like this must be written! I realize that I’m not the only one that has noticed this issue and not the only one bothered by it. But dang, people! This issue is most definitely NOT confined to our little town, though certain of the populace of our little town are the main subjects of this short rant. I understand the impetus behind certain businesses in town (honestly, probably the majority of them) closing their restroom facilities to the general public. Several years ago (at most), there were public r...

  • Go Ask Jo: 3/9/2022

    Jo|Mar 9, 2022

    Dear Jo, My husband, who is in his 60s, wears a baseball cap all day, every day, to hide a bald spot on the back of his head. He has worn that same dirty cap for two years and even wears it to work. He wears it in the house and only removes it when he is sleeping. I have suggested he wash it or replace it, but he refuses and he makes a tsk-tsk noise when I tell him I don’t think it’s healthy to wear something filthy on your head for two years. Signed, Disgusted with the Dingy Hat Dear Disgusted, Well, I see two options. First, you can do a nig...

  • Connecting Point: Navigating Emotions

    BILL LANES|Mar 9, 2022

    At fifty-one years old, I still find glory, fun, and contentment in our vast and wild Montana. Specifically, on my boating experiences, I have enjoyed small raft, one-man skiff, canoe, and kayak. I’ve been dunked by them all. I’ve never had the experience of sailing, yet and still, with little watercraft knowledge, I respect the wind. I recall one fishing trip on a small reservoir in the Pintler Range southwest of Anaconda as a child. My grandfather and father took me on many fishing trips. I was a nine-year-old. “How do you tie that hook...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 3/9/2022

    Mar 9, 2022

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, the universe is subtly trying to tell you to slow down a bit. Don’t ignore those nagging feelings that you should take breaks whenever you can manage them. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Prioritize your goals and put yourself first for the time being, Taurus. All eyes will be on you and you want to be sure that you are presenting the best version of yourself this week. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, take every opportunity to foster growth in your professional ambitions. Network as much as you can and explore continuing l...

  • Dear Editor: Thank You Council!

    ARCYLLE SHAW|Mar 2, 2022

    Dear Editor, I read that the Town Council approved TIF money for a sidewalk on Division as far as the Museum. What a wonderful benefit to so many! It will make the ‘stroll’ to the Museum so much nicer and easier. Thank you to the Council! Arcylle Shaw Cardwell, Montana...

  • Dear Editor: Western Legacy Center a Blessing?

    Concerned Citizen and Business Owner|Mar 2, 2022

    Dear Editor, Whitehall, and Jefferson County Residents, I am writing this letter for clarification and to address some concerns about the coming Western Legacy Center and its participation in and benefits to the community. Is the Western Legacy Center really going to be a blessing for Whitehall residents and its businesses? It is to be located at an exit off the interstate, so why would visitors venture into Whitehall after a stop at the Western Legacy Center? It is said that the Western Legacy Center is to have a Montana-made gift shop in its...

  • Dear Editor: Rebuttal to Op-Ed in 2/23/22

    RON JUNG|Mar 2, 2022

    Dear Editor, This is an all too short rebuttal to Democratic Chairman Robyn Driscoll’s OP-ED in the February 23, 2022 edition of the Ledger. Republicans are not the only political party talented in speaking out of both sides of their mouths. One of the oldest and best ploys straight from the Democrat party playbook is “accuse the accuser.” It is laughable and sad that challenging issues we find ourselves currently dealing with can be so manipulated. Such as the debt our friends on both sides of the aisle have created in making us a debto...

  • Thought Provokers: 3/2/2022

    Mar 2, 2022

    People only made such a big deal about 2/22/2022 because they’re salty that they won’t be alive for 2/22/2222. You can be a full-grown adult but people will still think you peed your pants if there is a wet stain on them. The people that hate their alarm the most usually choose to hear it multiple times each morning. Everyone thought it was touching and heartbreaking when E.T. tried to contact his relatives. But no one thinks the same when their dog tries to do the same at 3 AM. The guy in Blues Clues was paid to dance and sing and talk to him...

  • Go Ask Jo: 3/2/2022

    Jo|Mar 2, 2022

    Dear Jo, Have you ever met someone, liked them immediately only to find out they really don’t like you, which hurts your feelings? I know, I know, leave it be. Walk away. Why does it matter? Well, I am sometimes too sensitive of a person. How do I come to terms that not everyone has to like me? I have always felt like this, hurt if someone does not like or agree with me. Help! Signed, Cares Too Much Dear Cares, I can relate, but LET THAT $#%& GO!!! There is nothing to be gained by letting how others feel about you determine how you feel a...

  • Connecting Point: Building 101

    BILL LANES|Mar 2, 2022

    I grew up watching the television series This Old House, a 1980’s home improvement show. With only one television in our home, our family accepted my father’s choice. The construction variety of the show was dad’s attraction. Now, I, too, dabble in my own home projects, and it’s very motivational. When I get done with a fence or patio, there’s just something about it. Moreover, I’ve had the pleasure of working side by side with my father on numerous occasions; in turn, I see the wisdom in doing the same with my wife’s and my children. Are...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 3/2/2022

    Mar 2, 2022

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, an exciting relationship may soon develop after you socialize with friends. If you already are involved romantically, someone you meet could be an important ally. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Unexpected changes are the name of the game this week, Taurus. This could mean anything from learning a new skill to having to train a new coworker. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, there’s potential to meet someone interesting on a trip you will be taking shortly. Strike up conversations with those around you, as you never know what will h...

  • Dear Editor: Thankful

    DEE ANNA|Feb 23, 2022

    Dear Editor, I am thankful the sun rises and sets every day! I am thankful I have perfect water to drink that gives my body life, that gives all living things life! I am thankful I have air to breathe that provides oxygen for all life systems! I am thankful I can grow food from seeds in rich soil. I am thankful I was allowed the gifts of jobs so I could buy a car that others assembled and drive on a highway that others constructed with some of my working tax money because of decisions my politicians and community put together for all of us. I...

  • Dear Editor: Questions About Whitehall

    A Concerned New Resident of Whitehall|Feb 23, 2022

    Dear Editor, I am new to town and was curious as to why there are so many ambulances parked in driveways or in front of houses? I would also like to know why there is a Town Hall building with two large fire/ambulance bays in it but no fire trucks or ambulances. This building seems like such a waste for a small town. I was wondering what they use it for and why the ambulances are not making use of this wonderful building? Also regarding our police department. Are they paid by the county or the city? Where is their office located here in...

  • Thought Provokers: 2/23/2022

    Feb 23, 2022

    Seeing someone consume multiple beers at a Chili’s at 9am is suspect. Move that Chili’s to inside an airport and suddenly it’s totally normal. Because dinosaurs didn’t kill anyone last year, and (hopefully) you didn’t either, statistically speaking you were as dangerous as a dinosaur last year. Every machine is a smoke machine if you operate it incorrectly. Stairs are surprisingly dangerous for being everywhere. Calendars are non-perishable, but they still have a sell-by date. Almost every thought we post has probably already been thought....

  • Go Ask Jo: 2/23/2022

    Jo|Feb 23, 2022

    Dear Jo, I hope this reaches you in time for this week’s paper because I need advice! It is cold, really cold. As a matter of fact, it is booger freezing weather. I hate it when it gets this cold. I always get that horrible frozen booger feeling in my nose and it seems like I am always around people when that happens. How can you pick ‘em and flick ‘em when people are there?! I know, it sounds gross, but it is a serious booger issue when you have to try to find a way to get frozen, hair-pulling boogers out of your nose and try to be polit...

  • Connecting Point: Time, Order & Purpose

    BILL LANES|Feb 23, 2022

    Time directs our lives, including daily routines and special events marked by the calendar. From a personal perspective, time puts limits on us. God, on the other hand, is the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. God is sovereign. His (and ours) course history. But, we humans from about twenty years old until we are 105 (as the old song says) see short windows counted as the present. When circumstance challenges us, our assumptions lead us to believe something is wrong. That is not necessarily the whole truth. God has a purpose in...

  • RECIPE OF THE WEEK: Cousin Cleavon's Bobcat Jerky

    COUSIN CLEAVON|Feb 23, 2022

    In my opinion, bobcat is one of the hardest animals to get but satisfies the most indiscriminate tastes. You can either use hounds to track the cat down or use a trap to get him by his foot. When using hounds, all you do is let them out of the truck and drink all the beer you want until you hear them dogs go crazy. The one problem with hounds is that they can leave the hide all holey. That means you will not be able to make that sexy bobcat rug for your wife for Valentine's Day. As for trapping, it can take weeks to get the right animal in the...

  • Homo What?

    Toford Kroshus, Montana Man of Mystery|Feb 23, 2022

    A Fire Marshal decided to ignite a large bucket of gasoline to burn the built-up soot in his chimney. His fireplace was cold. He stopped sliding the sloshing bucket of gasoline across the hearth when his favorite polyester disco suit, the powder blue one with wide lapels, flash-melted. A lit cigar stub dangled between his blistered lips. His body’s defense mechanisms mitigated shock, fought infection, and accelerated the healing process. He survived. His pension plan and disability benefits e...

  • Thought Provokers: 2/16/2022

    Feb 16, 2022

    There’s no better feeling than the anticipation felt when you have proof someone is lying and you’re just patiently waiting for them to finish telling their lie. A bus ten minutes early is worse than a bus ten minutes late. Computers can freeze as a result of overheating. People get Botox to look younger but they usually just look like they got Botox. Every day that someone you love wakes up is a great day. If carrots actually helped your vision as much as we were told as kids, they would probably be sold exclusively by pharma companies. Kurt C...

  • Dear Editor: Support for Hagerty

    JIM TINGLER|Feb 16, 2022

    Dear Editor, This letter is pertaining to all who are wanting me to run for County Commissioner and to the citizens of Jefferson County. After hearing that Dan Hagerty filed for the position, I had the chance to sit down with Dan one on one and discuss what his plans were and where his vision is for the Southern end of the district. We both agreed that the simple fact is this: this end of Jefferson County has been forgotten about for years. After a lengthy conversation with Dan, I realized that Dan and I are on the same page as to what needs...

  • Connecting Point: Lasting Legacy

    BILL LANES|Feb 16, 2022

    Estate planning isn’t always on our mind but many lawyers suggest that one should prepare for the inevitable. Families certainly experience shock after the death of a loved one, additional stress occurs when estate planning is absent. Some families are torn apart as possessions are divided while other families suffer extended grief navigating the long nightmare of legal matters. Is all this the legacy we long for? King Solomon casts light on his legacy, however, from a somewhat negative viewpoint. “So I hated life because the work that is don...

  • Dear Jo: 2/16/2022

    Jo|Feb 16, 2022

    Dear Jo, I have a 7-year old daughter, Bea. We live two houses over from her best friend, Stacey. The two girls go to school together and stay over at each other’s houses. Stacy’s parents recently got a pet fox. I wasn’t worried at first, but now I’m not so sure. The fox isn’t violent or anything, but almost every time she comes back from their house, Bea tells some hilarious, giggling story about how the fox stole food, or the TV remote, or something else, and ran around the house holding it in his mouth or trying to bury it somewhere. Last ev...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 2/16/2022

    Feb 16, 2022

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you keep looking inward to realize your goals and you’re making very good progress in that regard. Communication is a key to success, so keep dialogues open. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Lately you seem to radiate success in all you do, Taurus. Others naturally want to flock to where you are and spend more time with you. Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 If communication with family members has been difficult lately, you may find that things change in the next few days, Gemini. This is a welcome c...

  • Turning Fourty...Fortie...40!

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall Ledger|Feb 16, 2022

    This Friday I turn the big 4-0. Yep, four decades of rotating around the sun. And still, at 40, I sometimes forget how to spell forty. I mean, seriously, why isn’t it fourty? But...whatever. I am more comfortable in my own skin than I ever was in my 20s and 30s...though my health could be better and I definitely weigh more than I did in either of those decades. I enjoyed this weekend’s SuperBowl half-time show much more than most people ten years older, or ten years younger, than me - and I’m ok with that. THAT was my jam back in the day and i...

  • Thought Provokers: 2/9/2022

    Feb 9, 2022

    A person can survive with half a liver, one lung, no stomach, and no large intestine. Or in some situations, cut in half. We are much more stronger than we think we are. A boomerang is a frisbee for lonely people. If we are killing the spiders we find, then by natural selection we are breeding the ones that know how to hide. Success is wiping a cat hair off your iPad screen without disrupting the video. Considering the earth is always moving (solar system too) we are space travelers in an organic spaceship. It won’t be long before people use ‘t...

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