Independently owned since 1905
Independently owned since 1905
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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...
We live in an amazing Country, an amazing State and an amazing community. We are so inundated with the political news that sometimes the truest of American values get lost in the white noise. While my political opinion may differ from others, the bottom line is that I care about our country and all of her people. On September 11th, the 23rd anniversary of the brutal assault on our country and the loss of so many treasured lives; we came together to express the honor due to every last soul lost that day. Thank you to everyone who came together t...
To Whom It May Concern, People can have differences of opinion about anything. It is our right and privilege. What people do not have the right to do is trespass on private property to deface a sign which represents a choice or viewpoint they do not agree with. Last week, I put up signs in Heron which were on private land with permission from the owners. Within a few days, vandals spray painted graffiti on the signs and ruined them. This is illegal on a couple of levels, from trespassing to destruction of private property. If these sick acts...
After attending the Master Gardeners class last spring, 2024, put on by Wendy Carr, with the local MSU. Ext office, our class members need to put in twenty hours of community service, to receive our certifications. I finally had an opportunity to start that with Beth Riffle, at Waterway, CSA. Starting at 7 a.m. to beat the heat, Beth was able to plant three rows to my one row of 75 bell peppers, exhibiting her experience as a gardener. She’s in her sixth season on the same property she grew up on, with the now Waterway, CSA, Community S...
Just in case you're wondering about those who compete for the office of and for the people's expectations, we must adhere to the truth using only words that are proven to be documented; in fact, anything less is deception — of the people, by the people, for the people does not justifiably adhere to deception — so don't waste people's time, admiration, and hope. John Middlemiss, Trout Creek...
As most people reading this will know, the levy to supply added funding to Plains Public Schools did not pass. This very directly affects the ability of the school district to continue to provide quality enrichment educational opportunities to our children. In light of this, the Plains Parent and Teachers Association (PTA) wants to invite the greater community to assist with meeting some of the needs of our students attending our public schools. Budget shortfalls are impacting the ability to hire educational support staff, meet cost of living...
Dear Editor. While reading through last week’s edition of your excellent newspaper I noticed the USFS Campground checks listed in the Sheriff's Log. From the staff at the USFS Plains – Thompson Falls Ranger District I want to thank the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff and staff, for conducting the campground checks. Thank you very much. This level of support from the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office and community is very valuable and directly assists in the provision of a safe recreational environment for Sanders County residen...
Apologies to F. Scott Fitzgerald: “The very rich are just different from you and me.” We worry about the next mortgage payment; they paid cash for their home(s). Without insurance, medical care is only “an option” for us. For the wealthy, when insurance won’t cover it, there’s always cash. We plan for our retirement, denying short-term pleasures for long-term security. Retirement? The wealthy are born “retired”. Our wallets are full of basic credit cards with too high-interest balances; their cards are “titanium” levels without balances. O...
There is a saying… “You are entitled to your own opinions, but not your own facts.” As Thompson Falls mayor, I do have actual facts about Wild Goose Landing contrary to some comments I’ve been made aware of on Sanders County 411. Northwest Energy has an easement signed December 2023 by Northwest Energy and the City. Thompsons Falls Public Works had maintained Wild Goose until this year. There are copies of the easement and all correspondence between the City and Northwest Energy for anyone who would care to view it. Happy to clarify any que...
I spoke with Sanders County Sheriff Fielders yesterday (July 18, 2024). The conversation concerned dispatching the ‘tax-supported’ Community Ambulance Service to emergency 911 calls within the Heron Rural Fire District boundaries. This has been a divisive issue in the Heron community for a couple of years. Last year, the sheriff halted dispatching the Community Ambulance in favor of a ‘privately owned’ ambulance in Heron, much to the dismay and anger of many Heron citizens. Sheriff Fielders told me that there were a few more ‘hoops to jump t...
The state of Montana has been “renting” our waters of the Clark Fork river from Thompson Falls to the Idaho border to Avista energy. With the two dams that they built, the Noxon rapids and Cabinet Gorge, placed 18 miles from each other. I’m not sure if somehow Montana has lessened it’s water protections or if the Avista cooperation has changed somethings with the way the operate but our river is rapidly turning into a sludge pond. There are dead fish all over the shore. The fear of being contaminated with toxic chemicals is very prevalent. Stag...
When our parents Carl and Linda Haywood died, in April 2024 and June 2024 respectively, we experienced our shock and concern over what to do first and next. Many readers understand the grieving cycle and processes that need to be followed. Our extended family and those we care for grew upon on arrival to Thompson Falls. We have all visited at different times over the years, but this was different, we needed help. I am worried that I will miss someone, but please know our in tent is to show our gratitude to all those that helped us through....
Editor: On July 5, people all around this country will be posting "Lost Dog" notices because their dogs or other pets ran away, scared crazy by neighborhood firecrackers and fireworks. Unfortunately, it will probably continue all weekend. By Monday, July 8, the shelters will be full of the lucky dogs who got found and rescued before they got hit by vehicles or attacked by predators. I used to think firecrackers were fun too, when I was about 10 years old. Six decades later I now think they're kind of stupid. Big public fireworks displays are co...
I am writing to express my appreciation for the support from our community of the Thompson Falls Class of 2024. As a parent of a graduating senior as well as one of the senior class advisors, I am astounded by the generosity of the local businesses and residents. As a teacher, I have respect and admiration for the residents and organizations who go out of their way to provide scholarship opportunities for students to continue their education beyond high school. Furthermore, many local businesses and residents donated to the Class of 2024 so...
Annie, My name is Linda Weygint. I presented the Budget on May 14 at the Rex. My main reason for this presentation was to bring "awareness" to the citizens of their Constitutional Rights as afforded to them by the Constitution of the State of Montana ....Right to Participation, Right to Know and Freedom of Speech. I had tried on more than one occasion to exercise these rights at City Council meetings. I have met with Mayor Rusti and City Clerk Chelsea and had a very productive and positive meeting on May 22. City Hall was well aware of this...
I was a part-time resident of Plains for 15 years, and now full time for the last two. Over the years, I have had the pleasure of getting to know reporter/photographer, Ed Moreth. I am writing this letter to share what a remarkable man Ed is and he is a great representative of the Ledger. I have been interviewed by Ed several times and present at many events that he has covered. Ed is always polite, respectful, and professional. He really cares about his community and the stories he writes. Ed is well known throughout the town of Plains and...
Better late than never! I hope that I am one of many senior citizens who thank all the great, caring people who volunteered hours and hard work cleaning up yards during Beautification Days. I very much appreciated being one of the persons on their list. I sincerely thank everyone from the coordinators to the volunteers who raked my leaves. I am most grateful. Carol Baylor, Thompson Falls...
Thank you! When I first moved to Thompson Falls almost 10 years ago I was amazed at the way the community came together to help people in need. Fundraisers, auctions and spaghetti dinners were just some of the ways those in need were helped. It really didn’t seem to matter what your views were, what church you went to, or your politics. It was all about people helping people. What has happened? Why have we forgotten that it’s the people who make a town. Why are we judging people who decided to sell their homes & businesses to “outsiders”? Why a...
The Local Government Review (LGR) seems to still generate questions. The 1972 Constitution mandated this be put before the electorate every 10 years. And FYI – what this is not – among other things: Removing or disciplining staff members or individuals serving in public office, Adding, changing, or removing services, programs, policies or ordinances, Changing the election process, Fees, assessments, taxes, or other services funding mechanisms. I’ve written Mayor’s Corner articles to give an overview and links for information. Montana State U...
“Why?!” That was what was shouted out by someone on the Board when the motion was made to remove the Associate Supervisors from the Green Mountain Conservation Board (GMCD) last week. Many may not be aware of the role of GMCD. This elected board serves in coordination with affiliated resource management agencies with a “…mission to champion balanced conservation solutions and partner with private landowners to keep our land and water healthy for the next generation… All 58 [Montana] conservation districts administer stream (310) permittin...
