Opinion

2019 was a monumental year for Montana ranchers

We’ve reached a pivotal moment for Montana farmers and ranchers, as three critical trade deals are finalized and implemented. The benefits here are enormous, and I strongly believe Montana’s agricultural

Farm bureau addresses mental health and the effects of stress on the farm

Recognizing the high levels of stress affecting America’s farmers and ranchers, Farm Credit, American Farm Bureau Federation and National Farmers Union have partnered on a program to train people who

Letter to the editor

Smiles are better than roses Editor: This fall, I received a surprise honor from Montana Retired Teachers and AARP. The following is my acceptance speech as Volunteer of the Year

Your opinion matters!

We’d like to hear what you have to say — and you have options. We always welcome letters to the editor at editor@bigtimberpioneer.net, or, if you’re more of the online

‘Helpful hints’ not necessarily helpful

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I just love those helpful hint columns and books full of tips on how to remove every stain known to man or cure anything from warts to arthritis with a

Legislative Week must address state’s challenges

This week, members of the Montana Legislature will head back to Helena to participate in “Legislative Week.” This is an opportunity for our state lawmakers to continue to engage each

PMC recognized as patientcentered medical home

Pioneer Medical Clinicalways looks for ways to improve. For instance, we received numerous suggestions to remove the loathed call-tree so when you call the clinic, you will reach a live

Deleting TV commercials

A follow-up to last week’s column about me being a tech dinosaur. It’s not really all that “techy” anymore, but I do love how you can record TV shows and

Free-roaming bison plan draws battle lines; state FWP thumbs its nose at Montanans

The Montana Department of Fish Wildlife and Parks is now formally recommending the introduction of freeroaming bison in Montana after the release of a longawaited environmental impact statement.   It’s

Wriggling out of rain pants

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The most challenging cooking jobs I have ever had were my many years of wilderness camp cooking in the Scapegoat Wilderness for Brett and Julie Todd. Every time I rode