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  • Horoscopes: Week of 1/26/2022

    Jan 26, 2022

    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: Response to Chuck Denowh

    GENE WALBORN, Former Director, Montana Department of Revenue|Jan 19, 2022

    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...

  • Thought Provokers: 1/19/2022

    Jan 19, 2022

    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...

  • Go Ask Jo: 1/19/2022

    Jo|Jan 19, 2022

    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...

  • Connecting Point: What are you chasing?

    BILL LANES|Jan 19, 2022

    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....

  • Thought Provokers: 1/12/2022

    Jan 12, 2022

    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

    JIM BUTERBAUGH|Jan 12, 2022

    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...

  • Go Ask Jo: 1/12/2022

    Jo|Jan 12, 2022

    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...

  • Connecting Point: Nothing New Here

    BILL LANES|Jan 12, 2022

    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...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 1/12/2022

    Jan 12, 2022

    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....

  • Thought Provokers: 1/5/2022

    Jan 5, 2022

    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: A Clean Slate

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Jan 5, 2022

    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...

  • Go Ask Jo: 1/5/2022

    Jo|Jan 5, 2022

    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...

  • Connecting Point: Winners and Losers

    BILL LANES|Jan 5, 2022

    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...

  • Guest Opinion: APR's Ranch Buying Spree Has Negative Impact on Montana Taxpayers

    CHUCK DENOWH, United Property Owners of Montana|Jan 5, 2022

    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...

  • Horoscopes: Week of 1/5/2022

    Jan 5, 2022

    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...

  • Tell Me How I'm Doing

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall Ledger|Jan 5, 2022

    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...

  • Thought Provokers: 12/29/2021

    Dec 29, 2021

    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...

  • Liz's Year in Review

    ELIZABETH PULLMAN, Whitehall Ledger|Dec 29, 2021

    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: 12/29/2021

    Jo|Dec 29, 2021

    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...

  • Connecting Point: Christmas Choice

    BILL LANES|Dec 29, 2021

    Perhaps Americans are more individualistic than any other citizens in the world. But, regarding Christmas, my caution is to choose wisely between fact and fiction. Some embrace the folklore of Santa Claus, reindeer, and elves. Some believe Christmas simply represents giving and receiving of gifts, while others completely abandon any concept of Christmas in any light. I admit I am in the category of people who love Christmas. For the record, my beliefs go far beyond religion or superstition. A Biblical worldview recognizes the ample evidence...

  • Horoscope: Week of 12/29

    Dec 29, 2021

    ARIES Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, group dynamics could be tricky this week. Emotions are tense and putting too many people together may lead to friction. Make a concerted effort to stay calm. TAURUS Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, individuals often are judged by the company they keep. Surround yourself with honest, supportive and accomplished people as much as you can. GEMINI May 22/Jun 21 It is tempting to want to help in every situation, Gemini. But this week you may need to observe from the sidelines and let others work things out on their own. CANCER Jun...

  • Thought Provokers: 12/22/2021

    Dec 22, 2021

    The Grinch changed as soon as he stopped listening to the Narrator tell him what a horrible person he was. The fact that Oreos are vegan is proof that a Vegan diet is not necessarily a healthy diet. If you listen to the Grinch song, you realize it’s just a huge diss track on the Grinch. And the Who’s get real creative with the insults; no wonder the Grinch hates Christmas. Being born increases your chance of death by one hundred percent. Banjos are guitars with southern accents. Both main characters of Veggie Tales aren’t even veget...

  • Dear Editor: Not Happy with Jefferson County Sheriff

    Kurt Ryerson|Dec 22, 2021

    Dear Editor, South Jefferson County is truly a great place to raise your kids...if you have money. All you need to do is buy your local officer or give him hunting rights. I call this Officer Pick and Choose. A local officer was given a complaint and a string of text messages between a man over forty years of age attempting to buy the panties from a fourteen-year-old girl, among other inappropriate things. The man was never charged with any offense. My question: who dropped that ball? I love and served this country. But when you call Jefferson...

  • Dear Editor: Freedom

    CHARLES HADDON SHANK|Dec 22, 2021

    Dear Editor, I’m not what most people would call a patriot. Don’t get me wrong, I love where I live, but I’m not willing to die for the American Way. I certainly don’t view this country as my Fatherland or Motherland, for that matter. However, I DO appreciate the relative freedom we still enjoy in this nation compared to other countries. It would seem that we still enjoy more personal freedom than other areas of the so-called Third World. Even what personal freedoms we have seem to be fading fast, but we can still freely exercise them, to what...

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