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Basin, Montana (a short history)

By
Alan
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Basin, Montana

Basin, Montana is located in Jefferson County along Interstate 15, roughly halfway between Butte and Helena.

Situated in a high, narrow canyon about 10 miles southeast of the Continental Divide, it sits at an elevation of 5,364 feet.

The population was 212 at the 2010 census, down from 255 in 2000. Basin Creek flows through the town, joining the Boulder River on its south side.

Mining

Historically, Basin was a bustling gold and silver mining town, with its population peaking at around 1,500 in the early 20th century.

Gold deposits at the mouth of Cataract Creek, about a half mile downstream of Basin were reported as early as 1862.

Prospectors staked claims and built cabins, and within a few years placer mining extended the full lengths of Cataract and Basin Creeks.

When a settlement was established in Basin, the buildings at the mouth of Cataract Creek were gradually moved to Basin, and the Cataract camp was abandoned.

By the 1870’s lode mining boomed with mines like Eva May, Uncle Sam, and Comet.

The town prospered with the arrival of railroads and a smelter, but as ore deposits dwindled, mining declined, and many operations closed by the 1920s.

Today, remnants of this era, including abandoned mining equipment and the ruins of a smelter, are still visible.

Some of Basin’s old mines, like the Merry Widow and Earth Angel, have been repurposed as health mines, promoting radon exposure for alleged therapeutic benefits, particularly for arthritis.

These attract visitors, some staying at local RV sites for multi-day treatments.

Activities

Basin has a vibrant, eclectic vibe, largely due to artists and musicians drawn to its rural charm.

From 1993 to 2011, it hosted the Montana Artists Refuge, and the art scene remains active with places like Basin Creek Pottery and Gallery.

The town’s small business district includes a fire station, post office, two restaurants, a bar, and specialty shops, many housed in historic buildings.

It also has an elementary school, a water system, and a low-power radio station.

Surrounded by the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Basin offers access to outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and fishing in the Boulder River.

The Basin Canyon Campground, a small undeveloped site nearby, caters to those seeking a rustic experience.

The area’s geology, rooted in the Boulder Batholith, a granitic formation from 76 million years ago, adds to its rugged appeal.

Historical Habitation

Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the region dates back 10,000 years, with Clovis artifacts found near Clancy, 20 miles northeast.

Nomadic tribes, including the Kootenai, Flathead, and Pend d’Oreilles, hunted bison here until the mid-19th century.

For visitors, Basin is a quiet stop with a mix of history, art, and outdoor recreation. The nearest major airports are in Helena (HLN) and Butte (BTM), about 30-40 miles away.




 

The Guadalupe River and it’s historical flooding

By
Alan
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Guadalupe River and it's historical flooding

The Guadalupe River in Texas has a long history of significant flooding, with major floods recorded as far back as the 19th century.

Climate alarmists were quick to blame climate change after this most recent 2025 event, failing to look back at the history of the region before making their assumptions.

They say that the Guadalupe River, flowing through the Texas Hill Country, is increasingly impacted by climate change, which is altering rainfall patterns, stream-flow, and flood risks. The region is known as “Flash Flood Alley” due to its susceptibility to rapid and severe flooding, a risk now heightened by climate-driven changes.

Actually when you study the history, you might discover that it’s most likely more having to do with humans constantly putting themselves into harms way. If humans weren’t being injured or killed during these flood events then the so-called climate change argument wouldn’t even exist. Climate change doesn’t ever really happen unless there are humans involved at some point.

While it is difficult to provide an exact count of every flood event due to the river’s propensity for frequent flash floods and the limitations of historical record-keeping, several notable major floods have been well documented:

Historically significant floods on the Guadalupe River occurred in the following years:

    • 1838
    • 1848
    • 1868
    • 1872
    • 1906
    • 1913
    • 1921
    • 1936
    • 1952
    • 1972
    • 1973
    • 1978
    • 1987
    • 1989
    • 1991
    • 1997
    • 1998
    • 2015
    • 2018
    • 2020
    • 2021
    • 2025

These years reflect at least 22 major flood events that have been chronicled in local histories and official reports. Notably, the river is located in what is known as “Flash Flood Alley,” making it particularly susceptible to rapid, destructive flooding due to the area’s rocky terrain and tendency for intense rainfall.

More notable flooding

    • 1913: Part of the Texas Flood of 1913, causing widespread devastation and loss of life.
    • 1972: Exceptionally heavy rain led to major flooding in New Braunfels and Seguin.
    • 1987: The deadliest event until 2025, with a tragic loss of life at a church camp near Comfort, Texas.
    • 1998: Broke most existing records, exceeding the 100-year flood plain and causing unprecedented damage.
    • 2020: Caused more than $1 billion in damage along the river.
    • 2025: The river rose 26 feet within 45 minutes, resulting in at least 67 deaths.

In summary

The Guadalupe River has experienced dozens of floods (that we actually know of) over its *known history, with at least 22 major events documented since the 1800s. The river’s location in Flash Flood Alley means that flooding is a persistent and sometimes deadly threat.

We’re pretty confident that these flash floods have been going on for centuries (with even Native American tribes hanging around ’till the flood waters receded in order to collect the fish left behind in the large pools of water) — long before someone came along to document them.

The flooding along the Guadalupe River is a recurring natural event and is not unprecedented — the flooding has been happening long before people came along to make excuses for it. Some things in nature just cannot be explained away by the simple Pseudo Science of climate change.




 

Cory Reeves: 2025 Incumbent Candidate for Great Falls Mayor

By
Aimee
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Cory Reeves: 2025 Incumbent Candidate for Great Falls Mayor

Cory Reeves, the current mayor of Great Falls, is running for re-election in the upcoming 2025 municipal election.

He officially filed for re-election, and his challenger is Jasmine Taylor.

Reeves has served as mayor since 2024 and is completing his first two-year term, set to end December 31, 2025. The filing period for the mayoral election closed on June 11, 2025, confirming his candidacy.

The election will be held in November 2025, and all newly elected officials will take office in January 2026.

Before becoming Mayor, Cory held the role of Executive Director at Adlera Laboratory LLC from July 2022 to November 2023.

Cory also served as Undersheriff at the Cascade County Sheriff/Coroner’s Office from January 2019 to July 2022 and had a long tenure at the Great Falls Police Department from March 1998 to December 2018, where Cory worked as a Police Officer and Detective.

Cory Reeves holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Providence.

Cory Reeves’ main priorities as he continues to serve as mayor of Great Falls are:

    • Reducing red tape and improving city processes: He has made significant efforts to streamline the city’s zoning and permitting processes, aiming to make it easier for businesses and developers to invest in Great Falls. Reeves prioritizes cutting bureaucratic obstacles and making city government more supportive of local entrepreneurship and economic growth.
    • Transparency and community engagement: Increasing transparency and communicating openly with residents and stakeholders are core themes for Reeves. He believes in actively updating the public and keeping city government accessible and accountable.
    • Economic development: Reeves is optimistic about new growth and is focused on ensuring the city’s infrastructure—such as roads and utilities—can support expanding businesses. He sees economic momentum as a key opportunity for the city’s future.
    • Addressing housing needs: With population growth, Reeves acknowledges the need for more diverse and affordable housing options. He is working to remove obstacles in the permitting process and collaborating with developers to expand housing availability across income levels.
    • Cost of living: In recent city communications, Reeves also named the cost of living as a top priority alongside public safety, indicating ongoing efforts to make Great Falls an affordable place to live.

Reeves combines a focus on essential city services—like safety and infrastructure—with goals to foster growth, transparency, and livability for all residents of Great Falls.

Cory Reeves’ law enforcement experience significantly shapes his vision for community growth by emphasizing the principles of community policing, partnership, and trust-building with residents.

Drawing from practices common in effective law enforcement leadership, Reeves approaches public safety not just as crime prevention, but as an essential foundation for stable, thriving neighborhoods and economic development.

Key Points

Partnerships with the community

Law enforcement experience often highlights that crime prevention and community well-being are more successful through collaboration between police and residents. Reeves likely values building networks among city agencies, businesses, and citizens to jointly address issues and foster an environment attractive for growth.

Empowerment and engagement

Community policing teaches that officers and city leaders should be empowered to address local needs creatively and directly. Reeves’ background would inform his approach to encourage city officials and residents to take initiative in problem-solving partnerships that strengthen community bonds.

Holistic public safety

Officers with broad law enforcement experience recognize that addressing social drivers of crime (such as housing insecurity, youth engagement, and economic opportunity) is critical. Reeves integrates these lessons, prioritizing public safety improvements as a prerequisite for investment, business confidence, and population growth.

Trust and transparency

Law enforcement leaders learn the importance of community trust and open communication for effective policing. Reeves carries this forward by promoting transparency in government and ongoing dialogue with residents, aiming to create a secure and welcoming atmosphere that fuels community growth.

Integrated service delivery

Modern policing often involves working across government departments—housing, health, social services—to address quality-of-life issues that affect safety and growth. Reeves’ vision for Great Falls is likely grounded in this collaborative, cross-sector approach.

Reeves’ law enforcement background leads him to see public safety as inseparable from economic vitality and livability, and he prioritizes strategies that empower community members as partners in building a safe, dynamic city.

Reeves aims to address the cost of living for Great Falls residents through several interrelated strategies centered on essential city services, economic opportunity, and housing:

Expanding affordable housing

Reeves prioritizes removing obstacles in the city’s permitting process, collaborating with developers, and encouraging diverse housing options. This approach is intended to make housing more accessible and keep prices manageable for residents as population growth increases demand.

Streamlining city processes

By reducing red tape, Reeves believes local businesses and housing projects can move forward faster, potentially increasing housing supply and business competition—both factors that can influence cost of living.

Public safety and essential infrastructure

By ensuring the city’s safety services and core infrastructure are well-supported, Reeves aims to foster a stable environment for investment and job creation, indirectly addressing cost of living by supporting wage growth and protecting property values.

Transparency and accountability

Reeves emphasizes clear communication with residents regarding costs, taxes, and community investment, aiming to keep local government effective and spending focused on priorities that benefit everyday life.

While Reeves does not propose direct financial assistance or subsidies to offset living expenses, his strategies are focused on long-term factors — especially housing and local economic development that strongly influence what residents pay for everyday needs.

These efforts are meant to increase housing availability, reduce barriers for local businesses, and maintain Great Falls as an affordable place to live through economic growth and efficient local governance.

More Info

For more information, you can visit Cory Reeves on his Facebook page or contact the Cascade County Election Office (406-454-6803, elections@cascadecountymt.gov).




 

Jasmine Taylor: 2025 Candidate for Great Falls Mayor

By
Aimee
-
Jasmine Taylor: 2025 Candidate for Great Falls Mayor

Jasmine Taylor is a candidate for mayor in the 2025 Great Falls, Montana, municipal election, running against incumbent Cory Reeves.

Jasmine is a lifelong Great Falls resident: Born and raised in Great Falls, Taylor attended Valley View Elementary, North Middle School, and C.M. Russell High School.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Providence (2011) and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Montana (2020).

Jasmine has worked for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for over eight years, including roles as a caseworker and residential licensing surveyor in the Quality Assurance Division, focusing on facilities for individuals with developmental disabilities, chemical dependency centers, and youth in foster care. She is a member of the Montana Federation of Public Employees union.

Taylor’s Community Involvement Includes

    • Vice President (previously President) of the Great Falls LGBTQ+ Center, advocating for a citywide nondiscrimination ordinance.
    • Former president of the Great Falls Young Actors Guild.
    • Coordinator for the Election Protection Committee in Cascade County, focusing on election integrity.
    • Active in countering white supremacy and promoting community engagement through volunteer work.
    • Contributes to What the Funk (WTF406), a blog addressing local political issues.

She describes herself as a first-generation college student who grew up in poverty, relying on social safety nets like food stamps and Medicaid after her family faced bankruptcy due to a medical emergency. She identifies as a Democratic Socialist and is openly queer.

Previous Political Experience

In 2019 Taylor ran for one of two open City Commission seats, competing against Tracy Houck (incumbent), Bruce Pollington, Kim Rodriguez, Terry Thompson, and Rick Tryon. This was her first political campaign, motivated by the need for young, progressive representation and a citywide nondiscrimination ordinance.

She also ran, in 2020, as a Democrat but lost in the general election. Her platform focused on strengthening social safety nets, legalizing recreational marijuana to fund public schools, protecting public lands, and supporting LGBTQ+ rights.

In 2023 she filed an ethics complaint against City Commissioner Rick Tryon, alleging an undisclosed employment relationship with Stray Moose Productions (owner of E-City Beat blog) and a violation of the City Commission’s code of ethics. The complaint was unanimously deemed unsubstantiated by the City Ethics Committee.

2025 Mayoral Campaign

Taylor’s campaign emphasizes economic growth, infrastructure improvements, community safety, and progressive values. Her website, Jasmine for Mayor (jasmineformt.com), positions her as a “bold voice” for Great Falls, prioritizing residents’ needs.

Key Issues
    • Community Engagement: Advocates for inclusive policies and community-driven solutions, emphasizing her volunteer work and human rights activism.
    • Economic and Social Policies: Previously supported pedestrian-friendly downtown revitalization, affordable parking, and local business growth. She has also advocated for a crisis center to address mental health and addiction issues to reduce strain on emergency services.
    • Nondiscrimination: Continues to push for protections for the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups.
Election Details
    • The 2025 Great Falls municipal election is scheduled for November 4, 2025, via mail ballot, with ballots mailed on October 20, 2025, and due by 8:00 PM on election day.
    • The mayoral race includes Taylor and incumbent Cory Reeves. No primary election is planned unless deemed necessary by the Cascade County Election Administrator.
    • Taylor’s campaign is active on social media, including a Jasmine Taylor for Montana Facebook page, where she promotes themes of “joy and resistance” and community-focused leadership.

More Info

Taylor’s campaign reflects her commitment to progressive policies and community advocacy, drawing on her experience in public service and human rights.

For more information, you can visit her campaign website jasmineformt.com or contact the Cascade County Election Office (406-454-6803, elections@cascadecountymt.gov).




 

America is rediscovering its soul

By
Alan
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America is rediscovering its soul

The phrase “America is rediscovering its soul” has recently been gaining some attention in our public discourse, particularly in discussions about faith, values, and national identity.

According to recent commentary and research, more Americans—especially among Millennials and Generation Z are returning to church, engaging with religious texts, and expressing a desire for spiritual depth. This marks a notable shift from earlier trends that suggested a decline in religious participation and a move toward a more secular society.

The resurgence of faith is not just a private matter but is increasingly visible in public life, challenging secular norms and influencing national conversations from politics to culture. This reawakening is described as beginning in the home, where families are centering their lives around transcendent values and moral guidance, and is extending into the broader public square.

Change doesn’t start in Washington D.C. but rather starts in the home. I’ve long advocated for being mindful of your neighbors. How you relate to those closest to you, those who might live right in your own neighborhood, has a huge impact.

In many cases we’ll find that America rediscovering its soul has a lot to do with both the spiritual and to a broader extent the historical call to reconnect with the deeper ideals and wisdom of the nation’s founding vision.

Historical and Philosophical Reflections

Jacob Needleman’s book, “The American Soul: Rediscovering the Wisdom of the Founders” explores how the spiritual vision of America’s founders—such as Washington, Jefferson, and Franklin—was rooted in ideals of inner democracy, self-improvement, and the pursuit of wisdom. Needleman argues that reclaiming these timeless truths is essential for addressing contemporary challenges and fulfilling the nation’s original promise.

Many of our young people are realizing that being both spiritual and patriotic aren’t, in and of themselves, necessarily bad things.

Response to Societal Challenges

Many young people are turning to faith in reaction to widespread feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and a sense of instability in modern society. The aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular, has intensified these feelings, prompting a search for community, meaning, and hope.

For some, embracing Christianity is an act of defiance against prevailing cultural narratives that they perceive as nihilistic or overly secular. This is especially true for Gen Z, who are increasingly drawn to faith as a form of rebellion against progressive or mainstream cultural values.

Generation Z is trading the instability of today’s ideological narratives for the safe haven of the stable, well proven principles that made America the envy of the world.

Both generations, Millennials and Generation Z, are forming new types of spiritual communities, such as home-based worship groups, digital fellowships, and campus prayer movements, rather than simply returning to traditional church settings. This grassroots, decentralized approach reflects their desire for authentic connection and shared purpose.

The home environment plays a significant and multifaceted role in America’s rediscovery of its spiritual roots, particularly as younger generations seek meaning and connection in an era of rapid change and societal fragmentation.

Home is a Sacred Space

Success doesn’t trickle down, but rather trickles up — starting in the home, safety and security is first practiced, and then transferred to the broader community once perfected.

Our young Americans are finding that truth and relevance actually matter, and are resigned to just letting our Federal Government wander around behind all of the little animals with it’s failed societal ideologies in the wilderness.

Our young Americans already know that our main news organizations aren’t now days meant to be taken too seriously.

Our young Americans are finally regaining their rightly deserved focus on matters important to them and to the country at large even if it means leaving our political parties in the dust.

The only thing the Federal Government has done well lately, is to drive Americans back into the arms of reality and decency. Of course I’m pretty sure the government didn’t mean to do it, but you know what they say about unintended consequences. The young people of America have had quite enough of the shenanigans on Capital Hill — and it’s beginning to show.




 

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