Columns
Searching for opinion based articles? Below we'll share opinion news articles on a wide variety of topics.
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.
Snow thoughts
It is normal for Spring to arrive in Columbia Falls before it does on the North Fork. The difference this year is that there is still snow on the ground in Columbia Falls and it is still full winter on the North ...
Column nostalgia
It is not easy for me to realize that in just a few short weeks it will be the 37th anniversary of me writing this column. The first one was April 1st of 1985, I was approaching 50 years of age and felt old.
Zinke weighs in on Ukraine
I have no doubt that we are all watching the the events unfold in Ukraine with heartbreak and horror. And yet, we are seeing the inspirational courage of the Ukrainian people as they take up arms and fight for th...
Just the Fax
I got a VERY IMPORTANT fax the other day. That’s right, a fax.
Thoughts on Interlocal news
I did not attend the pseudo Interlocal; however, folks who did reported that it was well attended – from 65 to 90 folks on the system.
Thin ice
So I’ve been watching the Olympics, wasting time in front of the tube watching people do things on ice and snow that, quite frankly, I have great admiration for.
Not thrilled by Zoom meeting
Originally I was told that the winter Interlocal would be held at Glacier Park headquarters. Also, provisions would be made for folks concerned about Covid to attend by Zoom. That seemed like a good way to go — t...
Interlocal coming up
On Feb. 9 the North Fork will gather for the Winter Interlocal. As always, the meeting will feature speakers from County, State and Federal agencies that have management responsibilities on the North Fork. Also s...