Welcome! Here are the topics for today’s column:

• Government Shutdown
• Conservative Governance Committee
• Snap Benefits Rally
• Centene Stadium Repairs
• Tryon’s Rant
• Veterans Day
• One More Thing

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN:

Sunday evening, the U.S. Senate voted for the 15th time to fund the government. Reports started coming in Sunday afternoon saying a tentative deal had been made to end the federal government shutdown. 

NBC News reported that Senators have struck an agreement to end the lengthy U.S. government shutdown, three sources with direct knowledge of the details told NBC News. While the votes are there to pass the deal through the Senate, these sources say, it will still need to pass the House and earn President Donald Trump’s signature, a process that will take days.

Sunday was day #40 of the Trump shutdown. I will post more information about this development throughout the week. 

CONSERVATIVE GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE:

Lee Newspapers reported last week that just under one year out from the next general election in Montana, efforts are already underway by the state Republican Party to elbow out candidates it deems not conservative enough and make space for hardliners. At the center of that work is a new group assembled by the recently elected leadership of the Montana Republican Party called the Conservative Governance Committee.

Will the Conservative Governance Committee have uniforms? Will there be DNA tests and/or blood tests?

In other words, there’s no room for moderates or independents in the big GOP tent these days. That should make it easier for moderates like me. If the GOP Conservative Governance Committee endorses them, then they are too MAGA/Wacko for me. 

One of these days, and maybe in the not-too-distant future, the Republican Party will want the moderates and independents back. 

SNAP BENEFITS RALLY:

I heard that about 100-150 people showed up on Saturday in Great Falls for the SNAP benefits rally. There was around $2,500 raised to help the food-insecure population in Great Falls. (Source)

Applause to all those who participated! 

CENTENE STADIUM REPAIRS: 

ABC/FOX reported last week that the Great Falls City Commission has approved $425,000 in park district funds to help repair Centene Stadium, home of the Great Falls Voyagers. The decision came Tuesday, November 4, in a 4–1 vote after weeks of discussion about whether taxpayer dollars should be used for upgrades at the city-owned facility.

According to the report, Commissioner Shannon Wilson opposed it.

It has been a tough last few years for the Great Falls Voyagers. The Pioneer League, in which they are members, ceased being affiliated with Major League Baseball in 2019 and became an independent MLB Partner League in 2021. 

According to my research, the MLB Partner League has an agreement with MLB to provide players for scouting and to experiment with new rules, but its teams are not directly affiliated with a single MLB parent club. 

I am not sure what the future holds for the Voyagers and/or the Pioneer League. 

I do know that the city cannot spend taxpayer money on everything that comes before the commission. Times are tough, and taxpayers want to see frugality. 

TRYON’S RANT:

I have found that Great Falls City Commissioner Rick Tryon is a very sensitive person. He does not like comments on his Facebook page that are negative toward President Trump. 

Here is Tryon’s latest warning: 

Heads up – you’re free to post comments on my page if they’re somewhat reasonable, but post your stupid Orange man bad, “you’re in a cult” TDS inspired memes and pics on your own page, not mine.

It is fun to read the comments left on his page. I think some people don’t understand that others can read their comments, and their comments are permanent. 

VETERANS DAY:

Tuesday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Veterans Day is a day to show appreciation to those who served in the military and are still living. 

Thanks to all my fellow veterans for your service! 

ONE MORE THING:

For the veteran, thank you for bravely doing what you’re called to do, so we can safely do what we’re free to do. – Unknown 

## HAVE A GREAT WEEK ##