by Mike Kauffman, Florence Hello neighbors, I have lived and worked in Ravalli County for 19 years. Like most folks here, I want our county commissioner to be someone who […]
Opinion
Brands, sock puppets and me
by Michele Binkley Those quick to talk about “riding for the brand” often avoid telling you exactly what their brand is. To get myself grounded, I like to remind myself […]
No out-of-state money
by Archie Thomas Primary voters of Ravalli County, you have control of outside money influence in this primary election June 2nd. • Do not vote for candidates supported by Americans […]
Montanans are not dupes
by David Bedey Today I’m addressing an issue that should trouble all Montanans, regardless of party affiliation—the disgusting goings on in this year’s Republican primary. Like many of you, I […]
The question to be asked!
by Helen Sabin, Corvallis Here’s the question Bitterrooters should be asking: What exactly does Americans for Prosperity see in two relatively unknown and not too competent candidates, Kathy Love and […]
Vote to fight sexual violence
by Lea Bossler, Carlton To say that Montana’s children and women are in grave danger as a direct result of government corruption and incompetence is not an exaggeration. Luckily for […]
Disabled
by William (Bill) Campbell, Conner As I parked under a sign that acknowledged my personal deficiencies, reality parked with me. The distinction provided by this one word is a result […]
Endorsement for Forstag
by Karen Wickersham, Missoula I wholeheartedly endorse Sam Forstag for the Western Montana US House seat. As a dedicated working man, former smokejumper, and union leader, Sam is committed to […]
The hidden public health costs of data centers
by Julia Ryder RN, Bozeman, Anita Taylor MD, Helena, Lori Byron MD, Red Lodge and Haley Yarborough, Missoula When most of us think about climate change and public health in […]
The hard work of addressing affordability
by Steve Schmidt, Darby Nearly every politician these days has affordability as a plank in their campaign platform. However, that position is meaningless unless realistic and meaningful solutions are pursued. […]
The crisis of wealth
by Steve Schmidt, Darby It is both disingenuous and cruel to demand further austerity from struggling Americans while the national debt balloons. Republican politicians regularly plead poverty when it comes […]
Purity test
by Lois Klement, Corvallis I have recently learned a new term. Purity Test. A political “purity test” is a strict ideological standard used by political groups to determine if a […]
Good for me, but not for thee
by William Rowe, Hamilton Do we all remember the Bitterroot Star article from now Mayor Jim Crews about election manipulation back in August of 2025? Well, it seems nothing changes […]
Pay it forward: investing in Stevensville’s future
by Jon Konen, Superintendent, Stevensville Strong schools are built on a simple, timeless culture: putting students first. When we surround our children with support at home and excellence at school, […]
Candidate forum
by Tom Tunny, Hamilton I attended the candidate forum at the Ravalli County Event Center on April 22. There were about 300 seats set up for the event, but I […]
Response to firefighter article
by Toni Daguerre, Hamilton After reading the recent article regarding the Hamilton Volunteer Fire Department, I felt compelled to offer a perspective that may resonate with many in our community. […]
Bedey serves you; Love serves party bosses
by Pat Earnest, Stevensville I’ve known David Bedey for nine years and he and I are appalled at what is going on this primary election season, especially in Senate District […]
Sheep Creek mine
by Van P. Keele, Hamilton The proposed Sheep Creek mine at the headwaters of the Bitterroot River is a terrible idea for many reasons. All of us—of every political stripe […]
Political ideology by smell test
by John Grant, Hamilton The open gash in the Ravalli County Republican Party, and beyond, is grounded in whether or not one can be a “TRUE Republican” only if one […]
FEAR
by William (Bill) Campbell, Conner Fear, being one of the most powerful of human emotions, has long been used to control society. The extent to which individuals are sensitive to […]