Publisher’s Note - Fall 2024
Montana set a record this election – running the most expensive Senate race in the state’s history. A staggering $250 million was spent battling for one of the most coveted congressional seats in the nation, important not only for Montana, but also because the winner ultimately helped determine which party controls the U.S. Senate.
Most Montanans aren’t proud of that record, feeling frustrated, disappointed and even embarrassed about the tremendous waste of money. Still, regardless of how you feel about the results of the election, we can all agree that it’s a relief to be over with all the political ads that have invaded our mailboxes, televisions and the internet.
RITW prides itself on being non-political. We strive to be the publication our readers are excited to see at one of our distribution locations or in their mailbox. We’re fond of saying our articles educate, enlighten and entertain and this issue is no different.
This fall, we focused on several communities full of dynamic residents. One community came together out of necessity, one rallied for the future of their kids, and another rose quickly to face a devastating threat. In each case, people saw a need and filled it, joining forces to solve problems, sharing their time to make a difference, and volunteering to make an impact toward the future of their communities.
We visited with residents of Big Timber who fed students when the school hot lunch program was suddenly cancelled. We witnessed the pride in Plevna as they played one of their first football games on the turf of their newly built field. And we sat down with Sheridan County, Wyoming locals as they reflected on the month-long battle against the Elk Fire, which ultimately devoured 97,000 acres of their beautiful Big Horn Mountains and foothills.
Every story shares the account of folks casting differences aside and banding together to accomplish a common community goal – and that encouraged us. The fractured state of our nation has no place in our rural communities as is evidenced in each article and witnessed by small rural towns every day.
We also visited with a young farmer from Cody, Wyoming who farms year-round, offering fresh produce to his community. Amy Grisak created a three-month supply list of pantry staples to lessen our reliance on grocery stores. And Jean’s Cuisines offers some mouth-watering, comfort soups to get us through the long winter nights ahead.
Included for the second time is our RITW Christmas Gift Guide, encouraging local shopping this season. Local dollars not only support the business and employees, but also families, schools and the very infrastructure of the community. We can all contribute to ensure they stay in business.
With Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations approaching, we pray you are filled with hope and peace. Please remember to show your appreciation to a veteran, farmer, rancher or small business owner and others who have, or are, sacrificing to make our lives better.
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Blessings in the New Year!
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility regard others better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.”
- Philippians 2: 3-4