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Read with interest Jim Elliott's November 21 column regarding personality disorders. While I am not certain he was writing about the President Elect, that is the impression I took from it. (Gosh I had no idea one could become an authority on something by reading Good Housekeeping magazine. Why spend 8 plus years in medical school and tens of thousands of dollars?) I couldn't help but noticing Mr. Elliott's notation that he spent 16 years in the Montana Legislature, so maybe he recognizes the disorder. Although I would have to agree with him to...
Dear Editor: After reading your news concerning the petition filed with the Fish and game commission that opposes motors on boats in the Bull River, I obtained a copy of the petition by Paul Overman of Heron, MT. In reading the petition, it bans all motors and imposes a "no-power use" rule on the Bull River. There is no distinction between electric motors and any power motors in the petition. I have lived here on the Bull River, above where the East Fork comes in for 38 years now, and I have a 9 foot boat with a 1.5 hp motor, very small. No...
Dear Editor: After reading your news concerning the petition filed with the Fish and game commission that opposes motors on boats in the Bull River, I obtained a copy of the petition by Paul Overman of Heron, MT. In reading the petition, it bans all motors and imposes a "no-power use" rule on the Bull River. There is no distinction between electric motors and any power motors in the petition. I have lived here on the Bull River, above where the East Fork comes in for 38 years now, and I have a 9 foot boat with a 1.5 hp motor, very small. No...
I’ve always found Mr. Jim Elliott’s articles in the “Montana Viewpoint” section interesting, though not for the reasons one might expect. It’s not because he offers any particularly insightful perspective on Montana or shares any meaningful wisdom from Sanders County-Trout Creek. In fact, Mr. Elliott’s viewpoints rarely, if ever, align with the views held by most of the Trout Creek community—about three-quarters of whom would likely disagree with him. What’s clear is that his commentary is consistently slanted and partisan. Given his backg...
In response to the negative letter concerning the election results, it only adds to the division which exists in this country now. You talked about veterans like that gave you the right to judge Trump. Let's see - my grandpa Henry served in WWI. My uncle Bunell stormed the beaches of Normandy during WWII and miraculously survived. My uncle Maynard was killed in the Korean War. My father Richard (Dick) Thompson was in the Navy in teh South Pacific during WWII. Uncle Jerry served in Korea, brother Bob was in the Air Force and I was a MP in the...
I'm really thankful that this election cycle is over. The overwhelming negative political ads were an assault to the senses with constant bombardment by mail, telephone, internet and TV. I would like civility to return to the political arena. Wouldn't it be wonderful if candidates focused on telling us how they were qualified for the job and what they had to offer us. Instead, we get misinformation, half-truths, blatant lies, fear mongering, slander and the character assassination of the opponent. Linda Yeargin, Trout Creek...
As a mom of four, one of the things I miss most during the holidays is cooking for my kids. Our kitchen was always the heart of our home, and nothing brought me more joy than spending the day preparing their favorite holiday dishes. This year, I’ve decided to cook Thanksgiving dinner like I used to, but I don’t want any food to go to waste. If there are a couple families/individuals in need this Thanksgiving who would appreciate a home-cooked meal, please email me. I usually make turkey, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bea...
Dear Neighbor, I’m writing this letter on behalf of my father and other relatives that served this great country. So, on Veterans day 2024, I wish to express these thoughts for my father Master Chief Petty Officer Dale S. Robirts, my uncle Master Sergeant Kenneth Jackson, his son Senior Chief Petty Officer Randy Jackson, who guarded U.S. Embassies all over the world for 20 years as a Marine, and Randy Bedwell, a U.S. FBI agent killed in the line of duty. That’s not to mention 30-40 other relatives of mine who have served, all to keep this cou...
Inflation is one of the top priorities for most voters. Electric rates are one of the driving factors in this. The current Public Service Commission is doing nothing to address this and have been nothing more than a rubber stamp for the rate increases by Northwestern Energy. Our current representative on this Commission, Jennifer Fielder, has been one of the worst Commissioners for allowing this to happen. There is a bright spot for future representation on the Public Service Commission and that is Elena Evans. She is an Independent and not...
There are people in this world who possess the wisdom of generations, and carry it with them with grace, aplomb, and equanimity. Shelly Fyant is one of those people. She is a friend, a mother, an inspirational community leader, and she is, by any metric, the most qualified candidate to represent Montana’s House District 91. Shelly is other-centered, she is a strategic thinker, and she has a vision for a healthy, equitable, and sustainable Montana that starts now and ensures future generations will enjoy the beauty and abundance we all t...
I am not a person to make many complaints or share negative actions. However, after going to the local source to find answers I am at a loss as to how to proceed. I recently arrived home after a two-week absence from my home of many years in Sanders County. Like many county residents I have experienced the ongoing traffic snags on Highway 200 this past summer, to gain high speed internet and never complained. I am a proponent of the project and know the importance of having the ability to communicate with our families, pursue educational...
Absentee ballots will be received this week. I’m asking you to consider voting “yes” for CI-126. This Constitutional Initiative will change Montana to open primary elections putting all candidates on one primary ballot. We can then vote for the person, and not be limited to the now monopolized primary ballot of party allegiance. Up to top 4 candidates in 10 different Montana races would advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. This will encourage moderate voices and choices, instead of empowering extremists or party...
CI-128 cleverly, deceptively, provides for abortion through the ninth month for any reason whatsoever. Here’s how: Part (2) of Constitutional Initiative 128 states after the unborn child would likely survive outside the womb, “. . . in no circumstance shall the government deny or burden access to an abortion that, in the good faith judgment of a treating health care professional, is medically indicated to protect the life or health of the pregnant patient.” Understand that the mother’s health includes mental health, and mental health can be...
We are retired Montanans living in all seven counties within District 4 of the Public Service Commission. Most of us are on fixed incomes. Some of us are Republicans and some are Democrats. But all of us are voting for Elena Evans, an Independent candidate for the PSC. We’re voting for Elena because she’s a nonpartisan candidate who is fighting for affordable power and because her opponent, Jennifer Fielder, has cost ratepayers millions. Fielder was the deciding vote against a $9.1 million dollar rebate for NorthWestern Energy customers, and...
Dear Editor, With much interest I read Carl Brooker's Letter to the Editor published in THE SANDERS COUNTY LEDGER on October 3. I would like to offer my thanks and appreciation to Ms. Brooker for taking the time and energy to inform the citizens of this county and state concerning the past behavior of Jennifer Fielder. It certainly seems serious consideration must be exercised by those of us who will vote for the next District 4 Public Service Commissioner. I own a few shares of stock, not many but a few, in NorthWestern Energy. Naturally I wan...
I will be voting for Jennifer Fielder again, she is doing a great job on the Public Service Commission. Under the policies of the current administration, America is trapped with an actual inflation rate of a little over 27%. Consumers are all aware of how this added cost has a negative impacted every facet of our life and eats up our real income. Unfortunately utilities are also struggling with the high 27% inflation rate, and increased property taxes, affecting building service lines, servicing existing lines, and delivering power to us....
Anybody who read Carol Brooker’s letter in the 3 October Ledger who goes on to vote for Jennifer Fielder is voting solely for the political party and against their own best interests. Please be an informed voter and read the many facts included in Carol’s letter, detailing how Jennifer Fielder has performed her duties as an elected official over a number of years. Unless you are unconcerned about utility rates that continue to rise in the face of enormous profits for utility companies, vote for the change Elena Evans will bring to the pos...
Anybody who read Carol Brooker’s letter in the 3 October Ledger who goes on to vote for Jennifer Fielder is voting solely for the political party and against their own best interests. Please be an informed voter and read the many facts included in Carol’s letter, detailing how Jennifer Fielder has performed her duties as an elected official over a number of years. Unless you are unconcerned about utility rates that continue to rise in the face of enormous profits for utility companies, vote for the change Elena Evans will bring to the pos...
Truly one of the richest aspects of living in a small community like Thompson Falls is reaping the benefits of the many “community-minded” people who chose to call this place home. This community mindedness manifests itself in many ways/occasions. Beautification Days is only one of many. It has been our fortune to witness this on a much “closer to home” scale. Over the course of the last five months, there have been many improvements made to our senior citizens’ center. Among these are: the acquisition of 20 padded chairs with arms, a major p...
I served on the non-partisan Sanders County Commission for 27 years, and I’m proud to endorse Elena Evans, an Independent candidate for District 4 of the Public Service Commission, which includes Sanders and six other counties in Western Montana. I know Elena. She’s a hard worker, a true independent, and laser-focused on lowering our utility bills. I also know her opponent, Jennifer Fielder. You’ve probably heard that Jennifer Fielder voted to raise your utility rates by 28%, which is true. I feel obligated to share additional serious concerns...
I submitted an open letter request for written responses to the Hot Springs Board of Trustees and Superintendent on September 10, 2024. My request addressed issues concerning the budget, school audits, spending controls and other items. I tried to get it added to the agenda for the September 12, 2024, board meeting but was told that it was within 48 hours of the meeting. I was told by Superintendent Chuinard and one board member to submit it for the correspondence section of the upcoming board meeting. The board meeting was held and lo and...
Dear Editor, I received a political ad in the mail several weeks ago from the Montana Democratic Party announcing that Tim Sheehy has plans that "...would shutter 49 rural hospitals in Montana". That caught my attention because I think that would be exceedingly drastic. Plus I felt that claim was simply over the top. I did a little checking online and I ended up on the website causeiq.com. That website states there are 56 hospitals in Montana. Simple math of 56 minus 49 is seven. Does that mean that Sheehy will have Montanans with only seven...
A lot of concerns have come into me and Lee Smith with the county garage concerning trucks. There’s been numerous heavy loads of logs, stone, equipment like excavators still using the bridge even with restrictions. Lee has reached out to the state and DOT and Lee said nobody seems to care. So I figured I would try to get it out to the public. Maybe DOT will come do their job and weigh trucks or stop them. Jim Byler, Noxon...
Dear Editor, Thank you for your consideration in reading and printing this letter. I am writing as I am appalled at the level to which campaigns are preying on the emotion of residents of the state of Montana. I am especially appalled at the fear mongering being lobbied at citizens by the Tester campaign ad which you ran in your recent edition. While I realize that the majority of the State claims Christian background, and the Constitution of this Country and State are based on Judeo Christian philosophy, I also realize not all follow this...
As health care providers, hospital leaders, nurses, and support staff who serve or have served rural Montana communities, we condemn the recent television ads and full-page advertisements by Jon Tester's campaign and the absolute lies being told to our fellow neighbors. The ads, some of which use the names and photos of local hospitals, falsely accuse Tim Sheehy of threatening rural hospitals, misleading the patients we serve. Some of us have gotten to know Tim through his and his wife’s philanthropy supporting Montana health care, or have h...