Connect With Your Community!
Connect With Your Community!
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As a past Paramedic/firefighter I want to acknowledge another 1st Responder that is rarely recognized or thanked. Recently one of our County Newspaper articles had a thank you given only to the Police, Fire, and ambulance. We do not seem to value our Tow Truck Drivers. They too face the horrors of every bad accident scene; get called out at all hours of the night and work in the worst weather, longer than the other 1st responders. More Tow Truck Drivers are killed or injured every year on these calls than police or fire personnel. WHY? Because... Full story
During the past legislative session, the Montana Taxpayers Association was excited to support the Gianforte administration's ideas that improved Montana's tax systems and provided tax relief. We look forward to continuing that working relationship. However, unless the administration decides soon on the level of the state's property tax collections, when tax bills go out this coming November the state of Montana could receive a windfall collection of $65 million in ongoing property tax revenue. This windfall is in addition to the $22 million... Full story
While I was plenty excited my mom visited earlier this month; I was not as thrilled that I would have to make a stop at the Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport. The older I get, the list of things that drive me crazy seems more extended than a trip to the DMV. Near the top of the list is a visit to any airport. I wasn’t even flying the other day, but I knew that my blood would be boiling when I walked into the building. It turns out that I started to get irritated a few minutes before I arrived. I know nothing about engineering, but I don... Full story
Have you ever felt like your hard work went unnoticed, or maybe you feel as though you aren’t making a difference? You’re not alone. In times of feeling overlooked, it’s important to remember that even the most extraordinary individuals face moments of rejection. Let’s draw inspiration from the story of King David, a man who defied the odds and embraced his purpose with a pure heart. King David, a shepherd boy, felt overlooked in the eyes of his family and the world. When the prophet Samuel was tasked with choosing the next King of Israel,...
The uppermost switchback on the Bright Angel Trail in Grand Canyon National Park is eight feet wide. Yet the last time I hiked out, I was stymied by a group of young hikers walking down shoulder to shoulder, tapping on their phones. Even when I said, "Ahem, excuse me," I was unceremoniously nudged out of the way - not on the cliff side, but still. It shouldn't need mentioning, but while walking on a rocky trail where one may fall to one's death, it is best not to be watching one's phone. And in case you were wondering, uphill has the right of... Full story
My mom was recently able to make a trip from Wyoming to visit us over Labor Day weekend. During her near-week stay, we watched the University of Wyoming football team play a ranked Texas Tech team in a game nationally televised on CBS. I have watched hundreds of Wyoming games on various networks, but it was a real treat to see them get the primetime slot on the second-most-watched network in the country. It brought back memories of the last time they had a primetime spot on a “big three” network and a bus trip that never seemed to end. A few... Full story
I have been inspired to write this week’s article on hope. I have a treasured friend who mentioned hope on one of his reels, and it got me thinking about hope. He was looking for a definition of hope and what it means. It is one word that I believe is difficult to narrow down. From his journal, he read, “Hope and hopelessness are part of my disease. Hope tells me there is a better way.” I couldn’t agree more. There is a better way. Hope is not merely a tiny word; it wears big shoes of unwavering determination. It is the tie that connect... Full story
Human trafficking cases in Montana are on the rise. In 2022 Montana’s Department of Justice human trafficking investigators saw a 300% increase in cases over the prior year. Even more staggeringly, they’ve seen an 871% increase since 2015. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, with unwilling victims who are coerced into slavery - and this cannot stand! This is why, with the support of MT DOJ, I introduced HB 112 during the 2023 legislative session to revise MT law in a way that provides more tools for prosecutors, while also pro...
I was saddened last month when I heard the news of the passing of Bob Barker. Growing up, he was always a fixture on the television during the summer months when I was home alone and had complete control of the television. This was back in the day when you had to get up and walk to the TV, so you had to make wise decisions for viewing because scrolling through channels wasn’t a thing unless you could convince a sibling to sit right in front of the screen. A staple in the summer months, “The Price is Right” was also a fixture on sick days.... Full story
Life is a journey of ups and downs, celebrations and setbacks, joys and disappointments. While rejoicing in the highs and achievements is natural, it’s equally important to recognize the value that disappointments bring to our lives. Though often seen as painful detours, disappointments are not roadblocks but guiding lights pointing us toward a more meaningful and purposeful path. When faced with disappointments, it’s easy to become disheartened and question our worth and abilities. However, it’s important to remember that disappointments are n...
From the Gallatin County Commission Gallatin County property owners were in for a shock earlier this summer when they received new tax appraisals for their homes and commercial properties. Some folks had the assessed value of their homes increase by 50 or even 100 percent. These were big increases from the last time they were assessed two years ago. Looking at those new assessments, it's easy to expect that your property taxes will also go up by that same percentage. But that is not the case. Unfortunately, the "tax estimates" included in the n... Full story
In my weekly column, I will often touch upon various stories from my childhood. While it is always fun to reminisce about a wonderful event, there are also times that I cringe at some of the stupid things I did as a kid. The other day, I read a post online from a friend from elementary school. Thinking of our friendship really brought back some memories of grade school. Most of the stories were of better times, but a few made me shake my head. One of these painful memories involved a class discussion about the ocean. I was probably in third or... Full story
Anyone driving Montana’s highways knows the risk of colliding with deer and other wildlife. Hardly a mile goes by without the gruesome reminders of hit animals, broken bumpers, or smashed headlights scattered on the shoulder. According to the Bozeman-based Western Transportation Institute, collisions with wildlife can be reduced by up to 85 percent with the installation of wildlife crossing infrastructure such as fencing and under and overpasses. Such installations have been effective in several western states, including Nevada and Wyoming, as...
At any given moment during this smoky summer of 2023, hundreds of wildfires were blazing in the United States — more than 850 as of late July, according to the nonprofit Fire, Weather & Avalanche Center. Most of those wildfires ignited in the forests of the American West. Fires were also burning by the thousands in Canada, creating a pall of particulate-dense smoke that blotted out views of the Chicago skyline and the Washington Mall. Those fires are expected to burn well into fall. This hellish aspect lends weight to historian Stephen P...
Hurray, you've moved to the rural West from a crowded subdivision or city where the traffic has become an out-of-patience game, and now you want to fit in. You want to learn how irrigation ditches work, build a hen house, and grow fruit trees, wine grapes and a garden. You also want to take a hike at a moment's notice, or at least look like you're ready to do 10 miles. How do newcomers manage this transition? Western writer Zane Grey never wrote a Code of the West, but it was clear from his novels that subtle rules operated in the 19th century....
I listen to many podcasts, but one of my favorites is The John Maxwell Leadership Podcast. In a recent podcast, the guest, James Clear, Author of Atomic Habits, talks about how our habits are a symptom of our priorities. And John Maxwell shared how our goals and our personal growth are different. Frequently, we put those two in the same category; in thinking about them, I agree they are different, but both are necessary. Throughout my life, I have set many goals that were never achieved, as sometimes life happens, and I was unable to reach my...
As I meet with Montanans in every corner of our state, I hear the same concern often - taxes are too high. And they're right. Taxes are too high and need to be reined in. Two years ago, we enacted a fiscally responsible budget, and as a result, the state of Montana today has a historic budget surplus. Ultimately, that means you overpaid your taxes, and we're giving it back to you. When we released our Budget for Montana Families last November, we again held the line on spending, and we focused on providing hardworking Montanans with meaningful... Full story
A couple of weeks ago, on a Thursday, I had forgotten that it was the opening day of Headwaters Country Jam and made the mistake of traveling down Montana Highway 2 in the late afternoon. It was chaos as I tried to patiently wait for the long line of RVs to enter the site. While it was the opening day, there was already quite a crowd setting up their campsites, and numerous games of cornhole were already underway. Sitting in the line reminded me of the absolute joy of listening to live music and gave me the itch to get out and attend a concert....
By now, most Montana property owners have opened their 2023 Property Classification and Appraisal Notices, and many have been surprised by the Montana Department of Revenue's estimate of their property's market value. It's no secret that property in Montana has been selling at higher and higher prices, but the size of the increased values is astonishing to everyone - including me. These value increases and estimated 2023 General Taxes described on the notice - based upon the prior year's mills - have created a great deal of confusion, fear, and... Full story
When I was little, my mom did a fantastic job incorporating many vegetables into dinner. While the veggies were undoubtedly good for me, there were a few that I could not stand. As is the case in many households across the country, I had to take everything that was on the dinner table and finish it. If there were my arch nemesis of Brussels sprouts or another hated foe in cauliflower, I would still have to finish everything on my plate. I was not allowed to take a tiny portion, either. I’ve heard horror stories of children who sat at the t... Full story
A spectacular picture recently appeared on social media of a young lady in Arizona. She was poised on the edge of a cliff emblazoned with sunset colors. Immediately her online followers clamored to know where the picture was taken, so "I can get one just like it." Turns out that it was taken on an off-trail route at the end of a potholed dirt road on the Navajo Nation, and required a permit to even enter the area. Also, I bet she did not climb to that precarious perch on that cliff wearing those fancy shoes. A local guide lamented that the...
I know quite a few people who are very afraid of clowns, others who freak out over snakes, and a few that let out a blood-curdling shriek if they see even the most harmless spider. I am not a fan of the previously mentioned trio, either. When I was around 10, my grandma gave me a clown doll for my birthday, and thinking of it sitting in my room at night still freaks me out. I swear that thing would come alive at night and try to steal my breath. As much as I was not a fan of that clown, I would not say it was a phobia. It was a creepy gift for... Full story
Like every property owner I have talked to or who has contacted me, I’m in “Sticker Shock” over my recently received 2023 Classification & Appraisal Notice from MT DOR. Commissioners & Councilmembers in Municipalities and Gallatin County will soon be finalizing their annual budgets (August). MT DOR will soon be certifying and sending taxing jurisdictions (Municipalities and Gallatin County) the total taxable value of property in each jurisdiction (the first Monday in August which is August 7, 2023). Municipalities and Gallatin County use the f... Full story
With my residence directly off a state highway, I’m aware that there will always be more traffic in the summer months, especially from Friday to Sunday. Montana is such a beautiful place, and I understand Treasure State residents and out-of-state tourists increase the traffic on the road on their camping, or some other recreation, or to visit friends and family. One thing I don’t understand is the way some people choose to drive. While the speed limit on the highway I live off is usually 70, I live in a 45 zone. I generally see people going tha... Full story
Having owned a weekly paper in Montana for over a decade, there is certainly a routine in everyday life. There are always the same deadlines to be met, and while sometimes it might feel like the movie “Groundhog Day,” I enjoy what I do for a living and the structure it provides. The same can be said when I am in the kitchen, I have a routine, and because of this, we often eat many of the same things. I don’t necessarily think this is bad because everyone at the house seems to enjoy the rotation of meals. Every once in a while, I will get a lit... Full story
