Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Serving Southern Jefferson County in the Great State of Montana
Sorted by date Results 912 - 936 of 1549
White-collar workers often recognize the value of blue-collar workers, but not the opposite way around. If we could normalize first dates where we run errands together so that if there’s no chemistry at least we’ve picked up our dry cleaning and got our lightbulbs. We are already in the 2020s, but if someone says 20s, it is implied that they are talking about the 1920s. ‘We need to talk’ is one of the scariest sentences in the English language. These past few years have probably been the happiest ever for the average house pet. An actor p...
Dear Editor, Dan Haggerty for County Commissioner! We as concerned citizens are always looking for honest, conscientious representation. People who want to be involved in public service and want to do it truly for public service are few and far between. Dan Haggerty is that person. Dan represented and protected all of Jefferson County for years and established a reputation as a person who really cared about the people he served and protected. Dan served for years in a dangerous and thankless job; a job whereas Deputy Sheriff obviously he did...
Dear Editor, Yes, Virginia, federally speaking, cannabis/marijuana is STILL illegal! However, that being said, there are at least 16 states in this Union that have legalized marijuana for recreational use, including our own beloved Montana and (GASP!) Washington, DC, the ONLY truly Federal District in this Union! It should be noted that, even though cannabis has been legalized for medical use in a majority of states, the main reason is that said states have begun to realize how lucrative it is! That being said, I would like to get into the...
Dear Jo, People always say follow your dreams. Well, how do you know what your dream is? How can people be so confident about what they want to do and have? Am I the only one who still (in my fifties) is not 100% sure of what my dream is? Signed, Dreamin’ Dear Dreamin’, You cannot look at what others do and apply it to yourself. Your journey is, well, yours. Embrace your life, your experiences, all that is uniquely you. Signed, Jo Dear Jo, I keep hearing that this is the end of times. The world is entering the period of Revelation. After the...
Pleasure seeking isn’t anything new, but isn’t part of the turmoil of our age due to plain old generational conflict? Aren’t millennials rightly concerned that the baby-boom generation is going to bankrupt the nation? Don’t older people talk sensibly about out-of-control sexuality? We’ve been turning to the book of Ecclesiastes for inspiration. Known for the phrase, “There’s nothing new under the sun,” King Solomon put things into perspective. We may point out that America is highly sexualized and driven by consumerism. However, this i...
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Your affection for someone could affect your impression of a certain situation, Aries. You need to take a step back or remove yourself from the situation. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Someone in a position of authority may want to invest in your future, Taurus. Even though you may be flattered by the interest, you have to weigh all of your options. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 You may learn something about a person if you’re willing to get involved in deep conversation, Gemini. Have a talk with someone you’re eager to get to know. CAN...
Dear Editor, Your paper recently published an editorial by Chuck Denowh discussing American Prairie’s recent purchase of the 73 Ranch. Some of the statements made by Mr. Denowh can lead the reader to the conclusion that American Prairie doesn’t pay taxes and doesn’t contribute to Montana’s economy. I have prepared a response to Mr. Denowh. American Prairie does more than pay taxes. Those claiming to be property rights advocates are once again saying charitable organizations should not be allowed to own land. The recent purchase of the histori...
If you run 26 miles, it’s because you’re an athlete. If you walk 26 miles, it’s because you can’t afford a car. Poems only rhyme in the language they were written in. A microwave can show you how clean someone really is. You have to wait until you’re 36 to date someone half your age. Given how long your bones stick around after death, you really only get to use some parts of your body for a fraction of their existence. Ventriloquists probably have better conversations than most at the dentist. Gold digging was just a normal relations...
Dear Jo, I have heard a lot of people complaining and/or asking about what to do about receiving thank-you acknowledgments. Here is the other side of that dilemma. What does one do when receiving gifts that for whatever reason are unfortunate picks for the receiver? I feel as if I’m lying when I say “thank you.” I’ve tried not sending a thank you, but that felt icky and did not work. Signed, You Shouldn’t Have Dear Shouldn’t Have, Always be gracious and kind. Send the thank you, it really is the thought that counts. Signed, Jo Dear Jo, I am tr...
The desire to be “top of your game” or “top of the world” is a near-universal want. For centuries, people have aspired to great heights, achieving some of life’s “greatest” passions. Individuals like Tom Brady, Serena Williams, Usain Bolt, Oprah Winfrey, or even Henry Ford are known as individuals who sought to be better and better. In ancient times, Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and Alexander the Great excelled at both political and military power. We’ve been focusing on King Solomon lately, reading through Ecclesiastes, from the Old Testament....
The older you get, the more you appreciate a good pair of socks. When you are a teenager you hide things like sex or drinking from your parents. When you are a parent you hide things like sex or drinking from your kids. The fact biting your tongue when you’re just casually chewing is so painful gives perspective on how strong even human jaws really are. All meat is plant-based meat. You have done things for strangers that you don’t even remember but it might have become a special memory for them. From an extraterrestrial viewpoint, all the spac...
Dear Editor, THE STICK AND THE CARROT: Dishonesty in politics is a given. Those running for office have always whispered sweet nothings into our ears (the carrot). Promises that once in office, they either can’t convert or they just blow them off (the stick). The carrot is also used to get public support for passing a bill. The bill is introduced by the talking heads heralding the good parts (the carrot), but you never hear about the sticks. The Build Back Better Act is no different. This bill is 2,135 pages. You have no doubt heard of the c...
Dear Jo, All the New Year resolutions are everywhere! Every time I turn around I see another message meant to inspire, enlighten or encourage me. Am I the only one who is already sick of the unasked for advice?! I feel like screaming when I see “drink more water.” Seriously, is it not a basic human instinct to drink water? We need it to survive after all! Here’s another one…. ”go to bed early and wake early”….said no fun person ever! “Move more, sit less.” Dear Lord, I have been hearing that since I tried to fit into my sister's prom dress at 1...
You’ve heard it, or perhaps have said it a thousand times yourself, “History repeats itself.” While we long for life to be full of new experiences, we often view everyday life as monotonous—you know, the same old stuff. Citizens of industrial countries give Mondays a bad rap; whereas, they look forward to the last day of the workweek, Friday. Meanwhile, those in undeveloped countries are more concerned about basic necessities such as food, water, and shelter. How do you view life? King Solomon was never in want. In fact, he had everyth...
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, you are self-confident and know who you are, which helps you take charge of situations. Many people rely on you, and you feed off that accountability. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, you may feel like you have to be a mediator between two sides, and that only adds to the tension you have been feeling recently. Take a deep breath and a step back. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, perceptions can be misleading. Look at a confounding situation from another angle. A new perspective may be all you need to see things more clearly....
History makes a lot more sense when you realize we are the soberest generation there has ever been. The morning after a snowfall, it’s easy to tell which cars have garages and which ones don’t. Reading gives us the ability to learn in minutes something that took a lifetime to discover. If you are one in a million then there are 8,000 people just like you. Eagles may soar but sloths don’t get sucked into jet engines. Fried eggs and fried chicken are the same food in different stages. If you lost the ability to feel emotions, you would...
Dear Editor, It’s that time of year again; the time for New Year’s Resolutions. Time for all the “New Year, new me” promises we make to ourselves. It IS that time of year. Yes, in fact, what better time to make those promises, those resolutions? Aren’t we basically starting with a clean slate, in this new year that’s opening before us? Isn’t that what we’ve been told from day one? Looking at it like we’re getting a fresh start is not altogether a bad thing, I guess, but is it really a fresh start?! Can it truly be said that we’re writing on...
Dear Jo, Happy New Year! I wish I could say that I had a lot of hope for the new year. I am bummed already. I cannot seem to get my act together. What really does this year have to offer me?! I have not had any luck in so many years, I just don’t even hope for it anymore. I have a home, food, family, it just is not enough. Signed, Bored and Bummed Dear Bored and Bummed, What does the new year hold for you? Three-hundred and sixty-five opportunities to quit feeling sorry for yourself, get off your ass, and make a life! Signed, Jo Dear Jo, I f...
Every person in life is on a quest in one respect or another. Daily, people search for happiness, love, purpose and so much more. Reason and emotion make humans the pinnacle of all living organisms, and many exude exceptional physical abilities as well. On the other hand, “a rodent’s struggle for life,” became coined in American fiction: Christopher Morley’s book, turned into a movie in 1940, describes a modern problem: “The rat race”. It seems that we all want to win. King Solomon was the third and last king of ancient Israel and for 40 years...
The ink is dry on another historic cattle ranch in the Upper Missouri River Breaks consumed by the non-profit organization American Prairie Reserve (APR). With a deal to acquire the 73 Ranch, another piece of Montana’s history and leading industry has been gobbled up by the billionaires that fund APR, at the expense of Montana taxpayers. Non-profits claiming to be conservationists rob taxpayers in a couple of different ways. Donations to APR to purchase ranch property come with lucrative tax deductions. With their privileged tax status, every d...
ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Your finances need a little extra work, Aries. Start to focus on investments, money, and other financial matters. Your mind is quick and you catch on quite fast. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Romance is on your mind this week, Taurus. This is the time to focus on solidifying your relationship with someone special in your life or to find that perfect match. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 Matters involving work are at the forefront of your mind, Gemini. You may need to put in some extra hours on the job this week. Keep your head down and your...
It’s been a year since I took over the Ledger! What a wild ride! While I know where I’d like to improve in the next year, I would really appreciate hearing what readers think should and should not be in the paper, where coverage is lacking, what new features you like and what you don’t, etc. Please use the survey link https://bit.ly/3pS9FM5 and provide your honest answers. I hope to hone in on what I can be doing better. There is so much room for improvement and growth that just weren’t possible in the first year. In the next year I hope to... Full story
Somewhere in the world exists the most perfect partner possible, just how you both want each other to be, whom you probably won’t ever meet. If someone saw you with a lighter, they would think you smoke, even when the lighter has a hundred other uses. Hunting is more frowned upon than fishing, but they both follow the same concept. When we were kids, the milk and cookies being gone on Christmas morning seemed like unequivocal proof that Santa was real. Neo in the Matrix chose to take an unknown drug from a stranger in a strange room after being...
On New Year’s Eve last year, I anxiously awaited the clock to strike midnight. Why? Because my big news about purchasing the Whitehall Ledger could officially be released as of January 1, 2021. Was I scared of this new adventure I was about to embark on? Absolutely. I still am. But I know I’m where I’m supposed to be. This time last year, there were a lot of unknowns in my life. My family and friends pulled me through these what-ifs with their support and love. Taking on a life dream is super scary, super exciting, and, I’ve found, super f...
Dear Jo, Well, here we are. The holidays are almost over, the gift wrap is in the trash. I was so looking forward to relaxing, taking a deep breath. Why do I feel so wound up? I cannot settle down? I find myself pacing, thoughts racing with all that the year ahead holds. How can I relax and enjoy the downtime?! Signed, No Chillin Dear No Chillin, For heaven’s sake, you have me pacing! Take some melatonin, followed by a meditation podcast and end with a hot toddy and bed! Signed, Jo Dear Jo, The holidays make my spouse amorous. To the point t...
