Columns
Searching for opinion based articles? Below we'll share opinion news articles on a wide variety of topics.
The test run
So I did a test a week or so ago of the walking route I’ll have to take if I don’t have a ticket to get into Glacier.
Remembering Walter
When a North Forker passes over the Great Divide, it is common practice for the community to hold a Celebration of Life the following summer.
Cleanup day coming up
Not much happening on the North Fork – yet. Spring continues with a mix of rain, snow, sun and mud. The potholes continue to breed and the county grader works at eliminating them. I’m not sure who is winning.
Griz takes a rest on the pavement
It is still weeks away from summer on the North Fork, but we are experiencing a full dose of spring. I can now drive into my cabin after leaving the driveway unplowed since November.
Big bear tracks
Spring continues! Winter one day cold and windy the next. At least the snow is mostly wet and melts quickly. Additionally, it helps melt underlying snow in a proper manner which reduces the threat of flooding l...
Daines talks wolves
Idaho and Montana’s successful recovery of the gray wolf was a significant achievement in species conservation. In less than 10 years, not only were biological recovery targets for gray wolves met, they were exce...
The early years
Spring is pretty much the same every year on the North Fork. Runoff from the winter snow, weather that ranges from warm to cold, precipitation from rain to sleet to snow. Water and mud everywhere and no telling w...
Party planning
Pretty much the same on the North Fork this week as last. Warming weather with mostly sunshine. Potholes breeding faster than rabbits, water running down the road and lots of mud. No doubt that will continue for ...
Deadly and difficult truths
The two of us became acquainted when we organized Montana’s first “Earth Day” on the MSU campus in Bozeman in 1970. One year later we both showed up in the Montana legislature, representing different communities...
Johnson reflects on Con-Con
Fifty years ago, at age 23, I covered the Montana Constitutional Convention for the Associated Press. It was a dream assignment.
Young Republicans talk housing crisis
We are five of the youngest lawmakers in the Montana Legislature. At 20, 21, 24, 29, and 31 years old, we are in various stages of renting and home ownership, and all of us are concerned about the housing crisis ...
Odds and ends
A couple of interesting odds and ends I’ve heard in the past few months.
Least favorite time of year
The last full week of March and it finally feels like spring is close.
Montana oil expert weighs in on issues
As the Ukraine invasion enters its fourth week our gas and diesel prices now eclipse the old record set in 2008. Mindless partisan haranguing on causation and solution play out with hackneyed ‘Trump did it bette...
Oh great, we’re a nuclear sponge
You know, since we’re on the precipice of World War III I figured I’d better make a plan in case things go south and I have to evacuate to another part of the country or the world.