Your Best Source For Sanders County News
Your Best Source For Sanders County News
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When our parents Carl and Linda Haywood died, in April 2024 and June 2024 respectively, we experienced our shock and concern over what to do first and next. Many readers understand the grieving cycle and processes that need to be followed. Our extended family and those we care for grew upon on arrival to Thompson Falls. We have all visited at different times over the years, but this was different, we needed help. I am worried that I will miss someone, but please know our in tent is to show our gratitude to all those that helped us through....
Editor: On July 5, people all around this country will be posting "Lost Dog" notices because their dogs or other pets ran away, scared crazy by neighborhood firecrackers and fireworks. Unfortunately, it will probably continue all weekend. By Monday, July 8, the shelters will be full of the lucky dogs who got found and rescued before they got hit by vehicles or attacked by predators. I used to think firecrackers were fun too, when I was about 10 years old. Six decades later I now think they're kind of stupid. Big public fireworks displays are co...
I am writing to express my appreciation for the support from our community of the Thompson Falls Class of 2024. As a parent of a graduating senior as well as one of the senior class advisors, I am astounded by the generosity of the local businesses and residents. As a teacher, I have respect and admiration for the residents and organizations who go out of their way to provide scholarship opportunities for students to continue their education beyond high school. Furthermore, many local businesses and residents donated to the Class of 2024 so...
Annie, My name is Linda Weygint. I presented the Budget on May 14 at the Rex. My main reason for this presentation was to bring "awareness" to the citizens of their Constitutional Rights as afforded to them by the Constitution of the State of Montana ....Right to Participation, Right to Know and Freedom of Speech. I had tried on more than one occasion to exercise these rights at City Council meetings. I have met with Mayor Rusti and City Clerk Chelsea and had a very productive and positive meeting on May 22. City Hall was well aware of this...
I was a part-time resident of Plains for 15 years, and now full time for the last two. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know reporter/photographer, Ed Moreth. I am writing this letter to share what a remarkable man Ed is and he is a great representative of the Ledger. I have been interviewed by Ed several times and present at many events that he has covered. Ed is always polite, respectful, and professional. He really cares about his community and the stories he writes. Ed is well known throughout the town of Plains and...
Better late than never! I hope that I am one of many senior citizens who thank all the great, caring people who volunteered hours and hard work cleaning up yards during Beautification Days. I very much appreciated being one of the persons on their list. I sincerely thank everyone from the coordinators to the volunteers who raked my leaves. I am most grateful. Carol Baylor, Thompson Falls...
Thank you! When I first moved to Thompson Falls almost 10 years ago I was amazed at the way the community came together to help people in need. Fundraisers, auctions and spaghetti dinners were just some of the ways those in need were helped. It really didn’t seem to matter what your views were, what church you went to, or your politics. It was all about people helping people. What has happened? Why have we forgotten that it’s the people who make a town. Why are we judging people who decided to sell their homes & businesses to “outsiders”? Why a...
The Local Government Review (LGR) seems to still generate questions. The 1972 Constitution mandated this be put before the electorate every 10 years. And FYI – what this is not – among other things: Removing or disciplining staff members or individuals serving in public office, Adding, changing, or removing services, programs, policies or ordinances, Changing the election process, Fees, assessments, taxes, or other services funding mechanisms. I’ve written Mayor’s Corner articles to give an overview and links for information. Montana State U...
“Why?!” That was what was shouted out by someone on the Board when the motion was made to remove the Associate Supervisors from the Green Mountain Conservation Board (GMCD) last week. Many may not be aware of the role of GMCD. This elected board serves in coordination with affiliated resource management agencies with a “…mission to champion balanced conservation solutions and partner with private landowners to keep our land and water healthy for the next generation… All 58 [Montana] conservation districts administer stream (310) permittin...
Musicians from the Piatigorsky Foundation will once again be offering a world class performance here in Thompson Falls. Violinist Linda Rosenthal and pianist Maxim Pakhomov will perform at the Thompson Falls Christian Church on Friday, April 12, at 1 p.m. This concert is open to the public and free, having been paid for by the Clark Fork Enrichment Corp. I have been very fortunate to be able to attend the last three concerts held here. Famous cellist Evan Drachman, grandson of Gregor Piatigorsky, has come here twice along with an accomplished...
I love it when people feel the need to share their opinions on how your opinion is wrong; with statements like, “I think you will find that America is not the dark and dangerous place you think it is.” (Therefore, what I think must be true because I think it). Such [flawed] circular logic always leads to the same inevitable disastrous conclusions- “dark” beliefs absent of Light. The darkened soul of man comes to these false assumptions; not because they can’t think for themselves; or listen to the “mainstream” news; but because they refuse;...
Thanks to Chris Hill for his informative letter about the MAGA belief system. The letter helps clarify why Trump and his MAGA followers are so intensely critical of what they call mainstream media. Since the information they get from the MAGA media universe are routinely discredited by fact-based news sources, the MAGA believers have good reason to attack anything like real journalism. It is harder to believe that Trump is committed to our Constitution, if you are aware that he tried to violate the peaceful transfer of power which is spelled...
With a truly broken heart, I am paying tribute to one of Thompson Falls most beloved citizens, Neil Carman. Neil was so reflective of what this community has always been - caring, kind, generous, ever helpful to each other in so many ways. Many of us over many years have been recipients of Neil’s kindness and generosity, and benefited from his hard work on our behalf. Neil dedicated much of his time doing work for others, creating, always thinking of ways to be helpful or make things better. He would remind me he wasn’t college educated, and...
Taking exception to Mr. Elliott’s column on the 14th of March Mr. Elliott’s lamentations of the Republicans of old falls flat on its face in every aspect of those who have lived and learned and seen our political and judicial processes of our elected officials in D.C. become more and more perverted as the two parties became incestuous seemingly right under our eyes. Mr. Elliott further laments how the Republican Party has been taken over by a radical right movement we call MAGA, inspired by former president Trump during the 2016 pre...
Dear Editor, Schools set protocols for improving mental health (March 14, 2024). Although I appreciate the positive attention to this topic and the implementation of counseling sessions, school assemblies, and motivational speakers, I wonder if we are getting to the root of the problem or just putting out the fires. Should we not return to the foundation of education and approaches that improve our mental health in the schools and the community? Should we not return to teaching our children the skills they need to be successful members of a...
I believe it is unfortunate that open public meetings are used to divert the city council’s time, taxpayer money, annoy public employees and elected officials in attempts to find something, anything, that proves alleged illegal or underhanded activity by TF city. Facebook is no place to conduct public business. Read the postings of agendas, legal notices and minutes in the newspaper, on buildings and the city website. The website has a wealth of information on numerous city related topics. It is citizen’s responsibility to be up to date on iss...
For the record, no babies or women were physically harmed in the making of the heart-wrenching Biblical story of Solomon and the two women fighting over the baby. Also, because Solomon asked for wisdom rather than other things, he got those as well. To clarify on the subject of ectopic pregnancies, a medical professional with several decades dealing with saving lives and pregnancies has addressed the moral issues eloquently: “TERMINATION OF ECTOPIC/TUBAL PREGNANCIES HAVE NEVER BEEN CONSIDERED ABORTION. The purpose of the procedure is not to d...
The 15th of March is fast approaching. It’s been five years since Mark Legard was taken from us. What are the reasons? No one has come forward with any information on what happened to Mark and the investigation into his death has become a cold case. His family and friends are left hanging onto his memory praying for peace and closure. Each year brings no new news and the heartache only deepens. We wanted this letter not to be somber, but to celebrate the person that our beloved son, father, brother, cousin, and friend was. We keep Mark’s mem...
Thank you for your patience during this time as you await communication regarding budget cuts and potential staff reductions. I know there is anxiety and concern, which is understandable. Please be aware that the difficult discussion of budget shortfalls and the subsequent steps of considering how to best reconcile the situation is fluid and continually evolving. Knowing what to communicate (and when) is challenging until we get through that process and reach a consensus, some of which has occurred in the past four weeks as the budget committee...
I was disappointed to see the letter opposing a four-day school schedule last week. It followed the formation of a calendar committee at the school, which happens before every school calendar is submitted to the board. No plan was presented, for either a four- or five-day schedule, so having an opinion was premature. Once the proposed calendar, or calendar options, become(s) available, I'll look it over, and maybe ask a few questions, before forming an opinion. I'd encourage other concerned people to do the same. Pat Crowder, Thompson...
Dear school superintendent and school board members, I am sending this email to express my concerns with the possible switch from a five day to four day school week. I am writing as a licensed clinical social worker, who has been working with children/teens and their families for over 20 years. I do not need to educate you on this poor rural community and the economic disadvantages many of these children/teens and families are experiencing today. The school has always been a refuge in times of stress and insecurities for many of those who are...
Sanders County Community Housing Organization, doing business as Community Housing is an independent, non-profit organization that was formed in 2003 to provide affordable rental housing solutions for working and retired individuals and families in Sanders County. Community Housing currently has ten rental units in Plains that house members of our community. Sanders County, along with much of Montana, is experiencing a housing shortage for renters as well as buyers. Affordable housing is the backbone of community, housing essential workers as...
I finally subscribed to a local paper again after quite a lapse due to the lack of engaging content and the slant of my former small town's paper. Upon receiving my first copy of the Ledger, the first article I read is "On being worried and enraged in 2024." What an introduction! I (one who chooses to be neither worried nor enraged in 2024) feel compelled to respond. Please note, it seems appropriate to use the "new word" a couple times. I hope you won't mind. 10. I could not care less. 9. That one did make me laugh. 8. I enjoyed the use of...
Due to medical reasons, I was unable to attend the Thompson Falls City Council meeting on 8 January, but I certainly heard about it, and for all the wrong reasons. Members of the council were elected by voters to do the business of the city on behalf of citizens. Whether you voted or not, and whether or not you voted for those elected, our council members are the people elected by majority vote. As a long time resident of Thompson Falls, I am watching the behavior of those attending city and county meetings deteriorate over time. There is a...
The job of the City Council is to conduct the City’s business. We are responsible for facilitating the democratic process. To do this, we need to all be civil by respecting the rules. Recent attempts to hold meetings in venues other than City Hall have made our job next to impossible as the Council could not even hear themselves discuss among themselves. Monday’s meeting was a prime example of the difficulty by the entire gathering having to share one microphone. Total chaos. For this reason, future meetings will be held at City Hall. Rus...
