Jefferson County woman one of Montana’s two new poets laureate

Poet and Jefferson City resident Melissa Kwasny was named as one of Montana’s two poets laureate for the 2019-2021 term, with Helena’s M.L. Smoker.

This is the first time two people have shared the position. Kwasny and Smoker, who have worked together for years, have both previously been nominated to fill it individually, but this year when approached they decided they wanted to do it together, according to Kwasny.

“We thought it would be more fun to collaborate,” Kwasny said. “Collaboration makes people more reflective and compassionate.”