Opinion

In recent years talk of defunding the police has been popular in other states, but our Montana values run contrary to that line of thinking. We believe in supporting those who put their lives on the line to protect citizens every day. To that end I have recently introduced Senate Bill 294. SB 294 establishes the End of Watch Trust. The purpose of this End of Watch Trust is to make sure that we are taking care of police officers and their families if something awful should happen and an officer is killed or suffers a catastrophic injury in the line of duty. It is our responsibility that we are protecting those who protect us, and SB 294 is a very clear way to do that. The Trust will pr...

Over the past two years, Montanans watched the President’s attack on oil, coal and natural gas bring our nation to the brink of an all-out energy emergency. Gas prices rose to more than $5 a gallon and many Montanans are worried about how to heat their homes without breaking the bank. We aren&rsq...

My husband and I raised our kids in the land of hockey. This column is not about hockey.  I realize hockey isn’t a thing or perhaps not as popular in some (warmer) climates, but for many years, for us, hockey was a large part of life. If nothing else, it got us through the cold winters. Betw...

Editor, We’d like to thank everyone who helped make our March 10 Mission Valley Ice Arena Fundraiser at Glacier Brewery such a success. Donors from throughout our Mission Valley came forward with wonderful items for our silent auction – from individuals with handmade art and crafts, to comm...

Editor, Our nation’s Republican party is presently dangerously divided. This threatens our democracy. The evidence is clear.  Our world is presently undergoing tremendous stresses. We are dealing with viral pandemics, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the ramping up of fear and anger. Add...

Editor, For those whose only outside world news comes from Fox or OAM they should be happy to hear that Montana’s students testing level came out at close to the 25% competency level in both reading and math ability.   This should pretty well insure, as they grow, they will follow what they ...

Editor, Our nation’s Republican Party is presently dangerously divided. This threatens our democracy. The evidence is clearly evident. Our world is presently undergoing tremendous stresses. We are dealing with viral pandemics, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and the ramping up of fear and anger....

“The Democrats killed two of my brothers.” That was the reply my nine-year-old father received from his great - grandmother on her rural Iowa front porch when he asked her why she was such a strong Republican. Her comment reflected the bitter legacy of the Civil War. As it left the American South...

Like most endeavors the legislature is short staffed. So bills sometimes do not match the titles, communications are difficult, and the legislative web site is not up to date. Neither we, nor the public, know for sure what is accomplished or pending. Yet, I was surprised when summoned from one committee and ...

Editor, Montana’s Constitution has served us well for over 50 years. It is one of the reasons we have the amazing state that we and our families are blessed to enjoy. Our 1972 Constitution is very special in that it guarantees the citizens of Montana 17 more rights than our US Constitution, includin...