Opinion / Columnists
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Welcome to the Valley
I've heard that phrase several times since moving back to the area and starting my position as the Seeley Lake Game Warden. I'd like to thank everyone I've met, from the bottom of my heart, for being...
Reversing the trend
It's week three here at the Legislative Session and things are off and running. For the last 16 years, the bureaucracy in Helena has been told from on high that the best way for them to affect positiv...
The ol' ways
There was a time many moons ago I had a young stud quarter horse. He's lineage went to King P-234 and Peter Mc Cue. That's to those who knew the history. Anyway, this here horse, like many studs,...
Top priorities this legislative session
This week we gave the Oath of Office, promising to uphold the constitutions of the United States and Montana. This 67th Legislative Session proves to be a unique one, and as we begin, I want to thank...
COVID-19 vaccination protocol and testing in Seeley
Greetings, If you were wondering about current vaccination protocol, the Missoula City-County Health Department has a new web address, https://www.missoulainfo.com/ that will keep us up to date about...
Holiday goodwill
Since it's the holiday season, I believe it's fitting to describe some psychological traits associated with the season. During this season, people are more open, kinder and giving to others. Even to...
Bad karma
That there word sounds kinda like it is used by some foreign guru sitt'n there in front of his little shrine call'n bad karma down on his enemy. But I liked the way my dear Mother used to put it...
Working for you
Happy Holidays! I'll be writing in periodically with updates about our district and legislative activities. While the 67th Legislative Session for Montana won't officially begin until Jan. 4, folks... Full story
Continuing leadership
HELENA - The Republican and Democratic caucuses recently met in Helena to elect those who will serve in leadership roles during the next session and at the same time, the Revenue and Transportation...
Prevent T2 - Preventing diabetes through creating healthy lifestyles
The Missoula Public Health City-County Health Department is offering a National Diabetes Prevention Program called Prevent T2 starting Jan. 20, 2021. It will continue through December 2021. Prevent T2...
Separation, meaning, racism and balance
In a recent discussion, some insights became clear about the human psyche (human psychology) and the separation experience due to the pandemic. COVID-19 has forced many of us to experience separation...
Hang'n 'er up
Along the back trails of my memories this time of the year was all the hunts and the desire to gather winter's meat. Didn't seem to matter the weather in them there days, hunched up near some cover...
Medicare's Open Enrollment in full swing
We are now in Medicare's Annual Open Enrollment Period, Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. It is time to think about your Medicare coverage for 2021. Open enrollment is when Medicare beneficiaries should review...
Seven things survivors of relationship violence taught me
In my early twenties, I worked for a non-profit for survivors of relationship violence and their families. Each survivor I worked with taught me something new about relationship violence and the journey to freedom from violence. In honor of all...
Authoritarianism
What do you think you're doing? You can't do that! I don't want you to do that! Do what I say! These are all expressions of authoritarianism. Often, these types of expressions are found in some form...
A political zoo
We often wonder at what politicians must be think'n when they take their oath to uphold the Constitution, then turn right around and do just the opposite. Perhaps they're think'n--well God knows...
Pea seeds, ripening tomatoes and nitrogen
Can I save some of my peas to plant next year, or do I have to buy seeds? There are only complicated answers to your question, not a simple yes or no. Here is a list of things to factor in: Although p...
Open Enrollment season starts this month
What season is it? It is Medicare's Annual "Open Enrollment" Oct. 15 – Dec. 7. It is coming up quickly! What can you do during "Open Enrollment"? • Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Ad...
Guilt or guilty
Guilt and feeling guilty are extremely common. Guilt describes a condition or state of being, while feeling guilty describes, well, a feeling. Why do we experience the two and is it important to ask...
Gracious folks
Many moons have passed since I took a group on a fishing trip to Lena Lake in the Bob. It consisted of myself, daughter Tracey and two gals from back east, who came recommended by a man I once guided...
iRide and caregiver programs enhance lives
This September I'd like to highlight three excellent programs available to us which can enhance our lives and those we care for. First, Missoula Aging Services is offering two Virtual Caregiver Support Groups which offer a safe place for caregivers...
Grasshoppers, season extenders & tomatoes
For any gardener who has used, or wants to use, an electric shredder for chopping garden debris and turning it into mulch, here is updated information: For years I have used chopped garden...
What is this all about?
At the moment, we can ask this question about so many discrepancies in our social lives, but I want to focus on one: people denying the validity of science and scientific findings. Let me begin this...
SSHS ready to reopen
Hello SSHS families, We are rapidly approaching the start to the year! A couple notes to remember. If you have an incoming ninth grader or a new student to town that will be in the high school please... Full story
The mutts
Some of us who have been fortunate enough to have some great dogs: seeing eye dogs, military dogs, comfort companions for folks who live alone, guard dogs and hunting dogs. Stock dogs and kids who...