Opinion

Is there going to be an acceptable reform to the Medicaid expansion issue this session? Hmmm… maybe. The governor’s approach this time was to not participate during the interim on […]

It was interesting to read Senator Steve Daines’ explanation for signing the open letter to the Iranian leaders. He claimed it was simply to insure that the “American people’s voice […]

By Hans McPherson, McPherson Farms Farmers and ranchers depend on our water to irrigate our crops, to water our livestock, to care for our families, and to run our businesses. […]

Senator Jon Tester has been awarded the lowest grade, four Pinocchios, by the Washington Post fact checker for Tester’s big lies saying “every logging sale” in the state was “under […]

In the papers I’ve been openly critical of the Ravalli County Off-Road Users Association (RCORUA). Today I commend them for following the environmental review process relative to their ATV play […]

Having followed the Medicaid expansion debate since 2012, I am more convinced than ever that Montana would benefit greatly by passing HB 249. This bill will establish the appropriate administrative […]

What a night. What an author-filled, decadent chocolate, lots of good conversation and laughter night it was. A record-breaking number of 24 congenial, personable, wonderfully talented authors attended the 20th […]

Are all of you aware of one of the most remarkable resources we have here in the Valley? One that brings us laughter, joy, and tenderness; also song, drama, creativity; […]

By Brian Schweitzer, Former Governor of Montana, Georgetown Lake, Anaconda Recently, AFP (Americans For Prosperity) conducted a sham public meeting in Dillon to condemn extending healthcare coverage to people in […]

We recently introduced our Big Sky Health package, which was developed over two years to address our state’s most serious healthcare concerns. Montanans have spoken loud and clear, for years, […]

Boy, was I excited when I read the headline in our local newspaper “Big Sky Health Plan is a Montana Answer.” Reading further, I found out that it’s a Republican […]

Last week I said the atmosphere felt like two boxers circling each other… this week the blows started landing. Committee hearings, sometimes contentious, hallways filled with passionate folks ready to […]

For the last few months a number of items have been placed on the Town Council Agenda. The common thread to most of the items is an increase in the […]

I had an epiphany – As the season of Easter approaches, those within the Christian realm will hear sermons and or at least think about life after death – what […]

By Senate President Debby Barrett, Dillon As a rancher with deep roots on a family place in southwest Montana, I know something about the importance of history—and water rights. I […]

Republicans generally believe in and support the First Amendment. Selective rights appear in the view of a few small minded members of the Ravalli County Republican Central Committee, who strenuously […]

As avid sportsmen, we recognize the value of our public land in Montana. But we also recognize our responsibility as citizens to see that our public lands are properly managed. […]

It’s been fun getting to know the new legislators. Hard working, friendly and happy are most, only a very few make you wonder why they even bothered running. Like last […]

Do you have thousands of dollars sitting in your bank account? More importantly, do you have thousands of dollars, sitting in your bank account, that you have no better use […]

Again I find myself questioning my State and Federal Government’s thought process regarding the controversial 2015 CSKT Water Compact. Fellow Ranchers and State Legislators have somehow decided that my family’s […]