Stubborn as a mule. We’ve all heard the expression. But how many of us have heard of Montana Mule Days? According to a press release that came into the office today, Whitehall will be celebrating its 33rd Annual Montana Mule Days this weekend, June 9-11.
Billed as “Montana’s only mule and donkey show,” the gathering features big hitches, log pulls, chariot racing as well as classes for youth and adults in riding and driving the creatures known for being obstinate.
As someone who has lived for 44 years in the county where Whitehall is located, it seems like I should have been aware of that event at some point. It seems even more so when you factor in that I edited the Whitehall newspaper for two years. But when the press release for the event came through the door today, it was news to me. Oh, sure, maybe it has been mentioned at some point in my past. But it certainly did not leave an impression. And I am positive no one has provided me with a press release on it in the 15 years I have been editing and publishing the Monitor.
This time, the news arrived in a way hard for me to miss. It was submitted by the new Jefferson County Event Coordinator Bruce Binkowski. It also came with a brand new logo that touts the wide range of activities available in Jefferson County. Binkowski was hired by the county commissioners in hopes that having someone advocating for events within the county would increase awareness, tourism and dollars coming into the county.
From taining live baby poultry, e.g., chicks and ducklings, from feed supply stores and relatives. State health officials say that Salmonella is an organism that healthy poultry can carry without making them ill, but may cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain to humans which can lead to dehydration. Sometimes people require hospitalization to recover. The DPHHS and the Department of Livestock (DOL) are asking Montanans to handle poultry responsibly. DOL
Assistant State Veterinarian Dr. Tahnee Szymanski said, “When caring for backyard flocks, these simple prevention measures will help to keep your families healthy and enjoying the benefits of raising animals.”
• Wash your hands after handling animals.
• Avoid touching your mouth after animal contact.
• Don’t eat or drink around animals.
• Don’t bring poultry into the house.
• Supervise small children around animals.
• Don’t cuddle or kiss chicks.
“Raising your own flock can be a rewarding and fun experience, but consider the risk when purchasing poultry,” DPHHS epidemiologist Dana Fejes said. Young children and persons with weakened immune systems, such as women who are pregnant, the elderly, and those with chronic disease, are at greatest risk for complications from infection.
“Safe poultry handling is a way to prevent illnesses and keep our children and communities healthy,” Fejes stressed. Please visit www.dphhs.mt.gov for guidance and more information.
