Our Viewpoint: Make some noise

Noxon had a rough 2024. Between the fire in February that destroyed three businesses and the bridge closure in July, there was a lot of uncertainty for the community.

I've spent quite a bit of time in Noxon lately and thinking about the community. A lot of people have. There have been public meetings about the Noxon bridge. The commissioners are moving forward with how to replace the bridge. Their biggest hurdle is securing funding.

On Saturday, a public meeting to engage elected officials was held. Meeting organizer Andrew Cabaccang invited elected officials from commissioners, legislators, the governor's office and congressmen. The idea was to make some noise about the Noxon bridge and get legislators to take notice and see what they could do to help.

Steve Howke, Rep. Ryan Zinke's district manager, drove from Kalispell to Noxon for the meeting, and there were two county commissioners there. The meeting was attended by about 25 people, and the discussion was very productive. Cabaccang provided information on how to contact legislators to let them know why the bridge is important to the community.

It appears that Rep. Zinke's office is taking an active role in the Noxon bridge project with attending meetings and looking into funding. What community members need to do now is contact all of the area's delegation about the bridge. Not everyone will look at the comments on Facebook. Writing personal letters of why the bridge is important to you and what action you want taken can have a much bigger impact.

Commissioner Tony Cox, at Saturday's meeting, told of when they were seeking funding for the Heron bridge project, the commissioners crafted a huge birthday card for the bridge and sent it to legislators. It got attention. Representatives and senators get dozens of pieces of communication every day, so creativity can help.

How great would it be if every person in Noxon sent even a postcard to ever representative? Talk about having an impact.

Cabaccang provided contact information for contacting legislators, which I feel is important enough to share with you here. Make some noise, and let's see what the community can do.

Sen. Steve Daines Gov. Greg Gianforte

320 Hart Senate Office Building P.O. Box 200801

Washington, DC 20510-2604 Helena, MT 59620

(202) 224-2651 (406) 444-3111

[email protected] [email protected]

Sen. Tim Sheehy Sen. Greg Hertz

655 Dirksen Office building (406) 444-4800

Washingotn, DC 20510 Greg. [email protected]

(202) 224-2644

Rep. Ryan Zinke Rep. Paul Fielder

512 Cannon House Office Bldg (406) 210-5943

Washington, DC 20515 [email protected]

(202) 225-5628

— Annie Wooden