Opinion
We’re in the midst of a presidential election. This column has nothing to do with politics. (I bet you’re breathing easier now, huh?) But the business of politics got me thinking - about language and communication and the words we choose to use to explain our angle on things. For instance: What is your stance on the increased price of mustard? Answer: Well, to be honest mustard has always been in the forefront of my thoughts, especially when it comes to pricing. Mustard costs are important to us all. I’m sure we can all agree on that. Mustard is an important condiment in more than just hot dogs, which makes it an iconic American icon. Some people use i...
Editor, When someone tells you who they are, believe them. Tim Sheehy joked about one of his experiences as, “a great way to bond with all the Indians while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.” or throwing beer cans at cultural events. He then repeated his racist remarks to other audiences ...
Editor, Woo-hoo! It’s football season in Montana! So much excitement for all the players, schools and towns of all sizes. But I have always felt a sense of dread come the fall knowing there may be another young football player who suffers a traumatic brain injury and a screwed up life from playing f...
Mother Goose is on vacation until further notice. We will let you know when we are ready to restart this popular program. Mother Goose is taking a break until our new Youth Services Librarian joins the team. We hope to have her back very soon. In the meantime, bring your infants and toddlers into the library...
In a recent op-ed by Representative Eric Matthews, concerns were raised about the role of public charter schools in Montana’s education system. As a passionate advocate for high-quality education, I appreciate that Montana law now supports two different types of charter school options in public educati...
Editor, My experiences hiking and backpacking with Shirley Azzopardi illuminated qualities that will benefit House District 13. Her commitment to the outdoors mirrors her approach to politics, showcasing perseverance, planning and a collaborative spirit. Shirley Azzopardi’s perseverance on ...
Editor, One of my favorite tropes is “Republicans fall in line and Democrats fall in love.” Don Kaltschmidt, Montana Republican Party Chair, in his Missoulian newspaper opinions regularly berates Republicans like Mark Racicot for “not falling in line.” Republicans call these people...
We’ve written here about the history of the Right to Know, why it matters, and what policies affect your access to information. In this column, we’re going back to the basics so that Montanans, including you, are better equipped to exercise the Right to Know. When we talk about the Right to Kn...
Editor, My experiences hiking and backpacking with Shirley Azzopardi illuminated qualities that will benefit House District 13. Her commitment to the outdoors mirrors her approach to politics, showcasing perseverance, planning and a collaborative spirit. Shirley Azzopardi’s perseverance on ...
Editor, Shirley Azzopardi is the best candidate for Montana’s House District 13. As a longtime local educator (30 years as a special education teacher with 28 of those years in St. Ignatius, and currently the mental health coordinator for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes’ Early Chil...
