It is hard to believe is has been one month since I was sworn in as the House District 75 Representative. I continue to feel honored to serve my constituents. Read Article Report from Helena: a record-setting session
There is more to the abortion bans being promoted by Republicans in Montana’s Legislature than simply a difference on moral or cultural grounds. Republicans have pieced together an entire suite of policies aimed at one goal. That goal is to control and disempower workers by a broad assault o… Read Article Low wages, underfunded public services and abortion bans
In Girdwood, Alaska, we’ll long remember the snowstorm of Dec. 6, just three months ago. But it won’t be for the school cancellations. We’ll remember it as the night dozens of residents traveled a snow-packed highway to testify at a public meeting — about housing. Read Article The housing crisis is harming my town
Whether you are for or against the Convention of States, please take a moment to read this and consider heavily what I have to say. I was at the Helena Capital building to absorb the words of others and testify against the COS. As I listened to those in support, I could feel the strength of … Read Article COS: Ignorance is bliss
Nearly every citizen in the state has a personal experience, rumor or disconcerting fact about the integrity of our elections. Most have seen dozens of recent headlines challenging the integrity of registered electors, ballots, and elections: Read Article ‘Freedom, Knowledge & Justice’ Election Integrity: Division, dialogue and progress
Wow, winter came early this year! Thanks to the many areas of ice outside (causing me trepidation) as well as projects and learning my new job, I have been indoors much more this winter. Usually I don’t let winter slow me down much and I still enjoy the outdoors and going for walks, but this… Read Article Be mindful of seasonal depressive disorder
Those who value Montana’s Constitution are concerned—terrified, actually—of what the Legislature’s supermajority (and its new Freedom Caucus) are going to try to do to it this session. Read Article On the chopping block: constitutional rights?
Jefferson High School is almost done with the first half of the school year and things are moving forward at a fast pace. I’ve truly enjoyed my time at JHS so far. Every district is very distinct, but all are filled with incredible students, a caring faculty and staff, and great school board… Read Article JHS 'moving forward' into New Year
‘Freedom, Knowledge & Justice’
Our soul is the essence of who we are. Our spirit, our individual life force, is developed through the relationships, knowledge and experiences of our life journey. We learn and we teach the children through the season of the year that extends from the gratitude of Thanksgiving to the hope, … Read Article Thanksgiving and Christmas prepared us for the New Year
In the early 1970s, frustrated with the corporate boot that dominated and bullied Montanans, the state's people rose up. Led by ordinary citizens like Pastor George Harper of Helena, local historian and mother of six Louise Cross of Glendive, and League of Women Voters leader Dorothy Eck of … Read Article Attack on Montana Consumer Counsel is Revenge by Utility Lobby
Lawyers and judges understand and, hopefully, respect the rule of law. This is a very simple principle which informed the writing and adoption of the federal constitution. This principle was carried through into states’ constitutions. The rule of law is fundamental to our democracy. It is … Read Article The rule of law or the rule of lie?
For the past several years, my wife, Kari, and I have come to Jefferson County to soak at Boulder Hot Springs Inn, Spa and Retreat Center. We’ve celebrated birthdays and anniversaries here. The water and the intimate nature of the place – which emphasizes healing and recovery – attracted us … Read Article Former tourists grateful to be locals
It’s been a good fall here at Jefferson High School, and I’m happy to report there are many positive developments ahead, especially with our highly anticipated expansion project. Read Article JHS superintendent excited for new developments, proud of fall success
Fat, lazy snowflakes drift down outside my window, making my thoughts turn to a winter long past when I was a child living in Clancy. Having moved from California, where my dad had been discharged from the Air Force, our move to Montana was a true revelation. I was eight years old and had ne… Read Article As winter arrives, a call to action
On election night I had the privilege of spending six hours in the elections office for Jefferson County, watching the work and reporting numbers to a national news outlet. It was truly a privilege for several reasons. Read Article Covering the election a privilege, and a pleasure
Elouise Cobell Day was celebrated on Nov. 5 in Montana, but many people in the West may not recognize her name. Read Article Hats off to a determined woman
It is always darkest--right before it gets pitch-black. Read Article ISL: The New Pitch-Black
In his recent guest view, Attorney General Austin Knudsen whines that the Montana Supreme Court deprived Montanans of a right to decide election methods. Specifically, electing supreme court justices by district, instead of in state-wide, non-partisan elections. Read Article Attorney General: all hat, no cows
I’m going to combine two stories, one fictional and one real. In the 1999 fictional film, The Green Mile, the “green mile” referred to the stretch of green linoleum that death row inmates walked to Louisiana’s electric chair. When I was a kid, my father used to refer to cash as “long green.”… Read Article The Long Green Mile
Freedom, Knowledge & Justice
We live what we have learned — and learning is not always easy. Read Article This Election Day, live, learn — and vote
School is well underway, and we have fall athletics and activities going full tilt. We just held this year’s Homecoming, and everything went well. We had great student involvement and great decorations and floats for the parade. It’s time for things to settle down a bit and make the push tow… Read Article JHS Superintendent: meet our new faculty members
At a recent gathering in eastern Montana I ran into friend and lead guitar player Mark Iwaniak, who lives in Butte. I’d been looking forward to seeing Mark – with whom I’ve played shows through the years – to tell him I’d taken a job as editor of the Boulder Monitor and was now in the area. Read Article ‘Learning to fly’ — and feeling right at home
It was suggested that I could strengthen the logic of my last article, “To Record or Not to Record; Is that the Question?” which remains available at https://montanadecides.substack.com if you have not read it, by building on the principle that greater transparency helps to ensure accountabi… Read Article When you find yourself in a hole, stop digging
Thomas Jefferson wrote in a letter on January 8, 1789, “that wherever the people are well informed, they can be trusted with their own government.” Jefferson’s intent was that if citizens were well informed, they could have the information needed to adequately participate in their government… Read Article County should record meetings, and we should watch
Since the June 24 ruling of the U.S. Supreme Court in the Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, Republican politicians throughout the country have moved to impose whatever abortion restrictions their legislatures can come up with. The Republican-dominated 2… Read Article The immorality of Greg Gianforte and the “New GOP”
Forget Covid. It appears that a malevolent psychological condition has now reached epidemic proportions in two Montana counties. Read Article In Montana, denial of reality run amok
The purpose of this article is to provide some information for all of us to better understand Adult-Use Marijuana to improve our community and for those who chose to use marijuana to do so responsibly. First, are marijuana and cannabis the same thing? Actually, cannabis is the word used when… Read Article Tread lightly with adult-use marijuana
Gary Buchanan is on the ballot as an Independent running for the Second Congressional District. I helped a little gathering the necessary signatures. It was a curious adventure. Read Article Building The Airplane While It’s Flying
‘Freedom, Knowledge & Justice’
“E Pluribus Unum” was first featured on the original 1776 design of the Great Seal of the United States and was formally adopted by the U.S. Congress as our nation’s official motto in 1782. The Latin phrase reminds us that from the original 13 colonies emerged a United States of America comp… Read Article Returning our nation to ‘e pluribus unum’
The United States Supreme Court is out of control--hell-bent on overruling established precedents and facilitating the creation of an authoritarian theocratic state. Read Article Supreme Court not "standing by things decided"
The recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Mississippi abortion case, Dobbs, v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization did more than simply deny women the right to decide their own health care issues, it denied them full citizenship in the political community of our nation. By stating that the… Read Article Abortion: let the struggle begin
James C. Nelson’s letter, “Suppress, subvert or both,” (Boulder Monitor, June 22) contains many generalized accusations — some of which do not even support the primary complaint specifically about Montana — and fails to provide any evidence that voting has been suppressed or that anyone has … Read Article In defense of common-sense voting integrity regulation
Freedom, Knowledge & Justice
On June 14, 1777, Congress adopted the following resolution: “Resolved that the Flag of the thirteen United States be thirteen stripes, alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white on a blue field, representing a constellation.” Based on this action, we celebrate Flag Day… Read Article Honoring the flag of the United States Of America
While Jefferson County has thankfully not experienced the historic flooding that neighboring counties have, their struggles are a sobering reminder to act now to prepare for flooding. Jefferson County has many areas that are vulnerable to this threat. The first step is to purchase flood in… Read Article How to prepare for flooding
It has been said that nothing is fool proof, because fools are so ingenious. Read Article Suppress, subvert or both
Freedom, Knowledge & Justice
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven; … a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted. (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Read Article A time to plant
Public health is many things. It is clean air and water, safe schools, mental health, emergency preparedness, disease surveillance and promotion of healthy lifestyles. The work of public health is achieved by preventing illness and injury and promoting wellness through healthy behaviors. Pub… Read Article Stay healthy during summer fun in the sun
While wildfire is the most likely major hazard we face in Jefferson County, our preparedness plans should be flexible enough to help us through any hazard we may face. We call this an all-hazard approach to preparedness. Every hazard will have its own specific preparation requirements, but … Read Article Getting ready—for wildfire or any other emergency
This piece has been adapted from Bret Lian’s posts, and others’ comments, on Facebook. Read Article In defense of Jefferson County—and of community
Freedom, Knowledge and Justice
April brought rare calendar alignment of major holidays in Jewish, Christian and Muslim faiths, causing a confluence of reflections for communities making up the three monotheistic traditions among people around the world who celebrate Passover, Easter and Ramadan, respectively. Read Article Finding joy and signs of hope
Public health is many things. It is clean air and water, safe schools, mental health, emergency preparedness, addiction treatment, and prevention. The pandemic has brought attention to some aspects of public health, however there is so much more. Contending with an unyielding virus for the p… Read Article Moving forward to something new in the pandemic
Freedom, Knowledge and Justice
Early during this Lenten season, when Christians around the world prepare for the joyous celebration of Easter, I was liturgist at church. The scripture story of Abram from Genesis chapter 15 spoke of a “deep and terrifying darkness.” This was counterbalanced by the description in the Gospel… Read Article Confronting darkness, searching for hope
Some of our neighbors are sharing why they chose to get vaccinated against COVID. These are just a few of our neighbors who have chosen to get vaccinated. Their stories are all different, but the outcome is the same: They chose a COVID vaccine for their families—to work, to visit others, to … Read Article Why vaccinate? Ask your neighbors
‘Freedom, Knowledge and Justice’
You probably see a dollar bill nearly every day, but do you know that the bill is a tribute to George Washington? Washington was born in 1732 in Virginia, served as commander of the Continental Army during the American Revolution, and was the first president of the United States of America—s… Read Article Learning History from a Dollar Bill
Freedom, Knowledge and Justice
The Build Back Better bill essentially died in December. But from the ashes of that proposed $1.8 trillion federal overreach, urged on by appeals from activists (as reported in The New York Times) that we are facing “deadly storms, heat waves, drought and wildfires made worse by climate chan… Read Article Let’s avoid emotion-driven climate change policy
Stay home. You will be asked to isolate yourself from others. This is to prevent the spread of COVID to others. Your local public health department should let you know when you are cleared to return to your normal routines. Here is the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's rec… Read Article So you tested positive for COVID. Here’s what you can do
Jefferson County Public Health has updated its isolation and quarantine guidance based on recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC has continued to review and provide updated isolation and quarantine recommendations throughout the course of the corona… Read Article Same virus, new guidance: COVID quarantine cut in half
On Dec. 30, 2021, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office conducted an alcohol compliance check from the north to the south end of the county. During the compliance check, all businesses that serve or sell alcohol were checked for compliance with alcohol sales and service laws. The Cardwell St… Read Article Alcohol compliance checks test ID laws
‘Freedom, Knowledge and Justice'
It’s the season when we all wish each other Joyous Christmas, Blessed Hanukkah, Happy Holidays! During this beautiful time, our spirits are warmed by treasured Christmas memories from days of yore, by the fun of giving gifts and gratitude for gifts received, visiting family and friends, and … Read Article May the Christmas Bells inspire us this year