PODCAST · comedy
The ButteCast with Bill Foley
by Bill Foley
Let's get to know some of the characters who make Butte, Montana the "Richest Hill on Earth."
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No. 367: Cory Cachola
Cory Cachola is a 1992 Butte High graduate who is doing some great things out in Portland, Oregon.I would tell you what he is doing, but I am not entirely sure. I just know much of his work involves the dreaded artificial intelligence, and those letters “AI” scare the bejesus out of all of us.Cory and I were journalism students together at the University of Montana in the 1990s. I can honestly tell you that he is the most talented writer I have ever worked with. In 1996, we worked together as interns at The Montana Standard, where we got a real introduction to the ways of the newspapers.He has been in Portland now for nearly a quarter of a century, but he is still very much a Butte guy. He went to Emerson Elementary, where he earned the nickname “Chewy” while playing “Kick The Ball.”At the Kennedy and Blaine schools, we played “Kickball.”Cory’s mother, Georgene, was my teacher at Butte High. She was the advisor for The Mountaineer, Butte High’s school newspaper. You might remember Cory’s sister, Lurene Kelley. She started her television journalism career at KXLF.Earlier today, I met with Cory over Zoom for a fun conversation. Listen in as we talk about the origin on his nickname and how those Emerson kids were just a little different.Listen in as we reminisce about our days at J School and the Standard. Listen in as Cory explains that AI is not necessarily a bad thing.Listen as we ask ourselves the very important question, “What would Neil Buckley do?”Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.Today's episode is also available on YouTube.
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Tap 'er Light: It was just Butch being Butch
The Butte Sports Hall of Fame will induct its 20th class this weekend. It is a class that, in a lot of respects, is long overdue. The class includes the late Jane Pascoe and Greg Salo. It also includes Brian Bolton, Bernie Brophy, Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton, Susie Hogart-Harrington, John Kovacich, Scott Paffhausen, Kevin Parvinen, Don Peoples Jr., Chunky Thatcher and Butch Starin.Today I am writing about Butch. I have known Butch longer than any of the other inductees. I have known Butch so long that I do not remember not knowing him.Also, Butch has to miss the induction. His son is getting married that day. Talk about timing. I’ve been hoping Butch would get the call to the Hall of Fame for a couple of decades. When he finally does, he has a conflict that you could not possibly miss.Butch will be there for the Green Jacket Ceremony on Friday night, though. Somehow, Butch will probably steal the show. In my eyes, he always does. Good or bad, it just comes naturally to him.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 366: Janelle Garza
Janelle Garza is one tough woman. That was evident when she completed the Copper Kings 100 in just under 34 hours last month.That is a 100-mile running race with nearly 14,000 feet of vertical gain and loss.Finishing that race in impressive fashion, though, is only part of the story of Janelle, who is the daughter of a pair of horse jockeys. She grew up in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where she excelled in soccer. She made her way to the Treasure State to study wildlife biology at the University of Montana in Missoula.After graduation, however, she struggled to find a job in her field. She spent one summer working as a wrangler at a dude ranch in Big Sky before she ended up working the environmental field. For almost two years, she has worked as an environmental compliance specialist for NorthWestern Energy. Janelle loves to work out, and she was well known for her weight lifting at the Butte Family YMCA. Eventually, that led to an invitation to join a Spartan Race.Suddenly, Janelle was hooked on running. She ran a 100-kilometer race last year, and that led to the Copper Kings 100. Oh, and Janelle and her husband, Reyes, have a business called Off Grid Health, Fitness, & Outdoors. Click here to let them help you with your journey to better health or just to enjoy the great outdoors.Earlier today, I met with Janelle inside the Vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen in as Janelle talks about the journey that led her to Butte. Listen as she talks about transforming from someone who doesn’t like to run at all into a person who finished a 100-mile race. Listen in to hear that she isn’t done testing the limits of her body and mind.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 365: Remembering Greg Salo
Next weekend, the late, great Greg Salo will finally take his rightful place among Butte’s greatest sports legends when he is inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.To say that this induction is bittersweet is a major understatement.The Butte Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 was officially announced during a press conference at the Butte Civic Center on Feb. 11. That was one day before the one-year anniversary of Salo’s passing at the age of 72.It is sad because the man I always called “Coach” will not be there to enjoy his long-overdue moment in the sun. If the Butte Sports Hall of Fame selection process was more like the Baseball Hall of Fame or the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he would have been inducted decades ago.The Butte Sports Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 1987, and it has been playing catchup ever since. Salo was one of those guys who kind of got stuck in the middle.When the Hall of Fame began, he was competing against the likes of Bob O’Billovich, “Jumpin’” Joe Kelly, Sweed Dahlberg and Milt Popovich.As the years went on, he found himself competing against people like Josh Paffhausen, Don Douglas, Randy Street and Gary Kane.Salo is not alone when it comes to these great men and women who were stuck in the middle. The Class of 2026 has several as we try to fill these major voids in the shrine. But again, it is heartbreaking that he will not be there to don his Green Jacket.However, I will try not to dwell on the fact that Salo will not be there for the Green Jacket Ceremony and the Induction Banquet next week. Instead, I am going to celebrate the great athlete and coach. I’m going to celebrate the Butte legend. I’m going to celebrate a great man who treated every person he ever encountered like he or she was something special.Salo’s star shined bright from a young age in the Mining City. He earned All-American honors as a football player at Butte High.Not just all-conference or All-State. He was an All-American.Salo eared that honor while playing for the Bulldogs in 1969. That was his third straight year as an All-State inside linebacker for the Bulldogs. He also started at quarterback during that senior season, tossing nine touchdown passes.He was a key member of Butte High’s back-to-back State championship teams in 1967 and 1968.Salo, who also played three years on the varsity basketball team at Butte High, went to UCLA to play football. According to a newspaper story announcing his signing at UCLA, Salo said he picked the Bruins over about 30 other schools that recruited him.After one season in Los Angeles, Salo transferred to the University of Montana, where he played linebacker for the Grizzlies.Of course, more people probably know Salo as a coach. His long coaching run included almost a decade at Montana State, where he served as the defensive coordinator for the Bobcats. Then he became head coach at Butte High School, where he led the Bulldogs from 2002 through 2007.Salo was known as a bit of a no-nonsense coach who got the most out of his players. He knew when to chew a player out and when to give him a pat on the back.In September of 2024, I met with Coach Salo at the Butte Country Club for this podcast. Today, I am brining it back so we can hear his voice one more time now that he is about to become a member of the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 364: Aiden Sorich
In July of 2021, Aiden Sorich won the Sorini 25 at the Butte 100 Mountain Bike Race. With a time of 2 hours, 10 minutes, 20 seconds, the soon-to-be Butte High sophomore beat the second-place rider by 26 minutes. He was just 15 years old at the time.On that day, Sorich said it was his goal to win all three of the Butte 100 races in his career. That includes the 25-mile race, the 50-mile race and the 100-mile race.Not one cyclist would have questioned him then or now.On Saturday, Sorich, 20, will attempt to win the 50 as he takes part in the 20th riding of the Butte 100. The race starts and finishes at Homestake Pass.Sorich, a 2024 Butte High graduate, will enter his junior year at Montana Tech this fall. The Butte 100 is one of several races he will compete in this summer, all while working an internship for PEKE Engineering & Systems. He will ride in the Lewis & Clark Gravel Classic on July 25. That is a grueling race of 116 miles.Aiden did compete in any of the “traditional” sports while attending Butte High. He said he was only mildly athletic. Sorich, however, was an original member of the Butte Copper Sprockets mountain bike team. He had a highly-successful run for the Copper Sprockets, too. He also skis every chance he can get at Discovery Ski Area or Lost Trail Powder Mountain.Earlier today, I met with Aiden inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen in as he talks about how he got into riding bikes with his good friend Will Silk. Listen as he talks about competing in all three of the Butte 100 races and the different approach he takes for each one. Listen as he talks about why the Butte 100 has been so successful and how he is feeling about his chances of winning the 50-mile race this Saturday.Today's podcast is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the friendly non-commission sales staff that always has your back. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light Mick Ringsak
Last month, we lost a true American hero when Mick Ringsak passed away after a battle with cancer.Mick was a Vietnam veteran and a combat engineer in the Army. In Butte, Mick fought for a cleaner environment. He fought, and he helped us win.Mick was a self-described Eisenhower Republican, but he was never led by that silly notion of party affiliation. For 83 years, Mick was driven simply by what he thought was right, and he was never afraid to go to battle for his conviction.He fought for the people of Butte and Silver Bow County right up until the day that he died.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 363: Kevin Parvinen
Kevin Parvinen was one of the greatest wrestlers in Butte High history.In three years on the Bulldog varsity team, Parvinen posted a 77-2 record. He once held the school mark with 58 straight victories.After taking third place at 98 pounds as a sophomore, Parvinen won the weight class in 1985, posting a 26-0 record. The next year, Parvinen went 30-0 and won the state title at 105 pounds.Those finishes helped Butte High win three Class AA State titles. It was in the middle part of Butte High’s magical run of 13 straight crowns.Of course, his high school days only tell part of the story about Parvinen, whose wrestling career started when he was about 6 years old. Well, it actually started before that. He used to wrestle a stuffed animal in his bedroom before he officially took the mat.Parvinen won nine consecutive Montana State freestyle wrestling championships. He won three Western Regional crowns. He also won a state title in Greco-Roman in the only year he competed in that classification.Parvinen competed for Team Montana at the Cadet World Championship in Missoula in 1983, and he placed fourth in his weight class.In two weeks, Parvinen, who also coached wrestling at Butte High and Butte Central, will be inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame. It is an honor that is long overdue.Earlier today, I met with Parvinen at his house for a fun conversation.Listen in as he talks about his early days as a wrestler and a sledding injury that helped give him an advantage along the way.Listen as he talks about competing for coach Jim Street and being part of Butte High’s legendary run of state titles. Listen as he talks about being inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 362: Don Peoples Jr.
Don Peoples Jr. appeared on episode No. 98 of the ButteCast in June of 2023.So much has a lot changed since then for the president of the Butte Central Foundation, superintendent of Butte Central Schools and head coach of the BC football team.In November of 2023, Peoples nearly left us. In fact, he briefly did leave us during a massive heart attack while on the road to watch his brother, Kevin, coach with the University of Missouri’s football team.Thanks to CPR performed by his daughter, Mollie, and a fast-acting team at the emergency room in Columbia, Missouri, Peoples joined the very small fraternity of survivors of the dreaded “widow maker” heart attack.Peoples lost his father, the legendary Don Peoples Sr., this past March. Fortunately, the elder Peoples was able to hang on long enough to see his son selected for induction into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Peoples and the Class of 2026 will be inducted during ceremonies July 24-25 at the Butte Civic Center.Earlier today, I caught up with Coach Peoples at the Rotunda at Butte Central Catholic High School for a fun conversation.Listen in as Coach Peoples talks about his years as coach of the Maroons and the many successful students and athletes who passed through the school. Listen as he talks about surviving that major heart attack and the new lease on life the experience gave him.Listen as he talks about joining the long list of Butte sports immortals as he is inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: First she called me an idiot
When you cheer the separation of families and deportations without due process, you are at risk of finding yourself on the wrong side of history. When you sit silently, you are every bit as complicit.That is why we should all read the poem "First They Came" by Martin Niemöller.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 361: Mike Rapp
Long before Mike Rapp was the superintend of the Falcon Crest Golf Club near Boise, Idaho, he had one of the best titles any person could have.He was a Muni kid.Mike grew up playing golf at the Highland View Golf Course in Butte. He golfed and golfed and golfed.He spent so much time on a golf course, that he decided to make that his livelihood. Mike started working at the Butte Country Club, then he earned a degree in horticulture at Montana State University.That led him to Boise, where he has spent the last few decades.Mike was a member of Butte Central’s 1989 Class A State championship golf team. The other members of the team were Joe Stimatz, T.J. Harrington, Brian Noctor and my brother, Don FoleyMike led the Maroons that in State tournament at Fairmont Hot Springs, finishing in a four-way tie for third place. After a playoff, he finished fourth, one spot below Anaconda’s Jim Stergar, who is once again the state championship basketball coach at Billings Central.In August of 1995, Mike shot a 6-under-par 64 at the Muni. That tied our childhood hero Dave Cashell for the course record. That record stood a for 20-some years before it was eclipsed by Kaven Noctor.In this episode, we talk about how Mike three putted on the 18th green to settle for a tie. For years, he blamed me. At least in part.I played the back nine with Mike that day, and I made a comment midway through the nine about the course record. It was kind of like telling a pitcher he’s got a no-hitter going into the eighth inning.That is not the right move to make.If you listen to this episode, though, you will see that Mike does not hold that against me. Well, at least he doesn’t anymore.This episode is also available on YouTube. Find it on ButteCast.com.
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No. 360: Joe Wren
This is easily the most visual of the 360 episodes of the ButteCast.Today, KXLF legend and Anaconda native Joe Wren joined the show via Zoom from Mitchell Stadium in Anaconda.In addition to a great conversation, Joe provided us a bit of a tour of one of the greatest high school football stadiums in the state.Of course, you have to watch on YouTube to see that. (Check out a link at ButteCast.com.)A 1979 Anaconda High School graduate, Joe became a household name in these parts in the late 1980s and early 1990s as he became part of KXLF’s live newscast at 5:30 and 10 p.m. He brought a cocky, yet fun approach to the sports report.Joe brought us Chopper 4, which fooled a lot of people into thinking that KXLF really was flying him around in a helicopter to cover all the games in the area. The truth is that Joe had a handful of people screaming across the highways with cameras to bring us highlights.After leaving KXLF, Joe moved to a much bigger market in Salt Lake City. He did the news and sports. He even was part of a sports radio show in Salt Lake.He got to meet Michael Jordan, O.J. Simpson and Muhammad Ali. He also got a kiss from a largely popular woman during the Olympic Torch Run in 2002.Today, Joe is known as “Papa Joe.” He and his wife, Nancy, have four children and 14 grandchildren. And a decade or so after flatlining during a major heart attack, Joe is appreciating life more than ever.He clearly is appreciating the beauty of Mitchel Stadium and the Smelter City.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: Healthy fear of a knuckle sandwich used to keep us in check
Once upon a time, people had a healthy fear of getting punched in the teeth for saying something awful to another person.Social media eliminated that fear, and society is worse off because of it. A healthy society needs people to think they might lose a few pearly whites for saying something racist, sexist or homophobic. For so long, that is what kept us in check. Now it is probably gone forever.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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Episode No. 359: Guns & Hoses
Today we are talking softball with Butte police officers Jorey Thatcher and Ben Girdler and Butte firefighter Aaron Facincani.These three brave men are getting ready for the Guns vs. Hoses softball game, which will take place at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26 at Stodden Park. The game is set up as a fundraiser for Mariah’s Challenge.The game will pit Butte’s police officers against Butte’s firefighters. The Finest vs. the Bravest.The event is free and open to the public. The players will be raising money to play in the game, much like they do to participate in the Special Olympics Polar Plunge.Donate via Venmo by using the QR code below.After checking out the lineups of the teams so far, I am establishing the firefighters as a slight favorite. At first, I was thinking the line should be set at 3 runs, but we are going to move it down to 1 and a half. However, I’m pretty sure you will struggle to find any bookie or service to take any action on the game.One sure bet, though, is there will be a whole lot of smack talk between the rivals. We got a glimpse of that today when I met with Thatcher, Girdler and Facincani inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation.Listen in as they talk about the preparation for the game. Listen in to hear which players are the ringers and which ones will be doing the most talking. Listen in to hear that the cause is very near and dear to the hearts of all involved.Today's podcast is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the friendly non-commission sales staff that always has your back. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 358: Remembering Mick Ringsak
On Tuesday, the Mining City lost a legend with the passing of Sir Elton “Mick” Ringsak. The self-described Eisenhower Republican was 83.Today, I’m bring back Mick’s April 2024 appearance on the ButteCast as we remember a Butte Legend and hero whose work went well beyond the boarder.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: A case against Seth Bodnar
When my daughter and other young women at the University of Montana needed help to protect them from a sexual predator and stalker, Seth Bodnar looked the other way.Even worse, he and his staff tried to intimidate the victims to keep them silent about the story. He did not know my daughter, and now Bodnar wants to be our senator.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 357: Alani Bankhead
Earlier this month, Alani Bankhead basically came out of nowhere to win the Democratic nomination in Montana’s U.S. Senate race.Bankhead is a self-described military brat who lived all over the country before settling down in Montana. She says Montana is the first place she chose to live.Now, she is in a four-way race to replace outgoing Sen. Steve Daines. She will run against Republican nominee Kurt Alme, Libertarian candidate Kyle Austin and independent Seth Bodnar in the November election.Bankhead got in the race because she feels like it is her duty to fight for the people of Montana. That comes after serving more than 21 years in the Air Force, where she wore many hats. That includes hunting terrorists with special operations, chasing spies internationally, and serving as a senior bodyguard for one of the top Pentagon leaders.Since Bankhead is such an unknown, rumors spread that she was running a campaign to help Bodner, who has support from former Democratic Montana senators. Some speculated openly that she was going to drop out of the race when her campaign announced a major event Monday at University of Montana Oval.Instead, Bankhead came out swinging at Bodnar, pointing out his many allegations of sexual discrimination as the president of the University of Montana.To paraphrase Dr. Evil, she had me at hello.That night, I sent her a Facebook message to share my story of Bodnar. I told her how he and his staff refused to protect my daughter, her roommates and other female students at the University of Montana from a female sexual predator and stalker. He could not be bothered to even answer a phone call or email. Jon Krakauer might have to write a sequel.That conversation led to Bankhead agreeing to be a guest on the ButteCast, and we met up for a great conversation over Zoom on Thursday morning.Listen in as Bankhead shares some of her experiences from the military and why she chose to live in Montana. Listen as she talks about the sense of duty that got her in this race.Listen in to hear that she has a history of standing up to bullies and defending people who cannot defend themselves.Listen in to hear a great American underdog story.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.This episode is also available on YouTube.
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No. 356: Westside Shriners
The 79th Montana East-West Shrine Game will be played Saturday at Naranche Stadium in Butte.Captains for the Westside were voted on by the players and named Wednesday night. Those captains are Hagen Paddock of East Helena, Evan Pyron of Missoula Hellgate, Henry Griffin of Frenchtown and Asher Knopik of Kalispell Glacier.Knopik and Paddock are the offensive captains. Knopik will play running back for the Westside, but he will be a linebacker at Montana Tech. Paddock will play receiver for the West and Carroll College.Pyron and Griffin are the defensive captains. Both will play defensive line for the West. Pyron will play the same position at the University of Montana, while Griffin will compete in track & field at Montana State.I met with the four captains after their selection in the Team Room of the Metals Sports Bar & Grill. I talked with Knopik and Paddock before talking with Pyron and Griffin.Then, we caught up with all six coaches on the Westside staff. First up were head coach Tyler Murray and J.D. Ferris of East Helena. Then Dan Lacey of Anaconda and Connor Sullivan of Three Forks joined in before Jim Hogan of Helena Capital and Seth Mason of Frenchtown.We caught up with Shriners Wynn Randal and Joe Sidor before closing the show with West team coordinator Jeff Hartwick.Make sure to check out the parade, which starts Saturday at 10 a.m. in Uptown Butte. The game kicks off at 7 p.m. If you can’t make it to Naranche, you can watch on the local CBS stations.Make sure to call in the telethon for a donation, too.Today’s podcast is presented by the Kvichak Fish Co. Think of it as salmon and halibut gone Girl Scout cookie. Place your order today.Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 355: Noah Thatcher
Noah Thatcher was named head coach of the Butte High boys’ basketball program last month, and he is already off and running.Butte High wrapped up its summer tournament schedule over the weekend. The new coach has a camp set up for late next month.Thatcher grew up in Butte before moving to Great Falls when he was about 8 years old. He moved back to the Mining City as a senior in high school, and he played point guard for the Bulldogs during the 2000-01 season.Butte High dropped a 55-53 decision in double overtime in the Class AA playoffs that year, falling just short of the Class AA State tournament. Capital’s Scott Wonderlich scored off a Kyle Samson pass with 1.4 seconds left in double overtime for the win.Thatcher, who played a redshirt year under Rick Dessing at Montana Tech, takes over for Matt Luedtke, who stepped down after a successful seven-year run with the Bulldogs. He takes over a program that advanced to the Class AA State tournament five times in those seven years.Thatcher held several assistant coaching positions in recent years. He served as Butte High’s freshman coach for a couple of seasons under Luedtke.He is also filling the shoes of his father, John, who coached the Bulldogs from the 2000-01 season through the 2009-10 campaign. John will be part of the coaching staff this upcoming season.Earlier today, I met with Noah inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen as he talks about that playoff game in 2001 and the amount of college athletes who participated from both sides.Listen in as he talks about growing up a Thatcher and his move to Butte High for his senior season. Listen as he talks about his coaching staff and how he is excited to see what the Bulldogs can do in 2026-27.Listen in to hear that the Bulldogs are in good hands.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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542
Tap ’er Light Sen. Sheehy
When Tim Sheehy called my dad and his fellow protesters “un-American” and “communists,” he was being a coward. His words were also as ironic as they come.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 354: The Mother Lode Theatre
Today we get a behind-the-scenes look at the Mother Lode Theatre with Matt Boyle, Darrion McCracken and Layne McKay.Listen in as they talk about some of the big shows and events the Mother Lode has hosted and the work that goes into them. Listen as they talk about some of the fun events that are coming up this summer and fall.Go to buttearts.org to check out the lineup and to get your tickets. Make sure you go to that site so you do not get scammed by secondary market swindlers.Listen in to hear about LeRoy, the friendly ghost of the Mother Lode. Listen in to learn that the “green room” isn’t even green.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 353: Mike Heard
Mike Heard is like family to so many in Southwestern Montana. That even goes for the people who never met him.For the better part of four decades, Mike has come into our living rooms to broadcast the weather on the KXLF and KBZK newscasts. He is good at what he does, and he is so very likable on camera.Last week, however, Mike made his last appearance on KXLF and KBZK. In a statewide downsizing, Mike saw his position eliminated, and he was callously let go after 38 years with the Montana News Network.The man who gave so much loyalty to the company was shown none in return. He wasn’t even really given a chance to say goodbye. Now, at the age of 58, Mike is looking for a new job. That is a strange feeling for a guy who has pretty much worked his entire life. It started when he worked to help pay his way through Butte Central, where he graduated in 1986.The road of many jobs eventually took Mike to KXLF, where he worked as a cameraman starting in 1988. He took the job to help pay his way at Montana Tech.Eventually, he turned that role into an on-camera position, and he started broadcasting the weather at KXLF in 1990. Other than a little more than a year working at KPAX in Missoula, Mike had been on our Butte airwaves ever since. He also earned a degree as a broadcast meteorologist and became the chief meteorologist for KXLF and KBZK.This morning, I drove to Elk Park to sit down with Mike for a great conversation. Listen in as Mike talks about his humble roots that showed him the value of an honest day’s work. Listen as he talks about how he got into working in television and how that career evolved into something he just seemed to be born to do.Listen to Mike’s passion for the weather and serving all the communities of Southwestern Montana. Listen as he says what he couldn’t say during his last days at KXLF and KBZK.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap ’er Light: Our CBS affiliate made a big mistake
KBZK/KXLF made a huge mistake when it laid off beloved meteorologist Mike Heard. Someday soon, they will see how big.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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Episode No. 352: Joe Gibson
Big Joe Gibson is a fixture at Special Olympics events in Butte and around the state. Name the sport, and Joe competes in it. He swims, snowboards and plays basketball. He also competes in track & field.That is where Joe will be on display with some of the finest Special Olympians the United States has to offer next week. Joe will compete in the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games June 20-26 in Minneapolis.Joe will compete in three events — the 50-meter dash, 100-meter dash and the turbo javelin — at the state-of-the-art Track and Field Stadium on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities Campus.Joe, a 2006 Butte High graduate, is eyeing a meet record in the turbo javelin since he knows has already thrown better than what is on the book for the USA Games.Earlier today, I met with Joe at the Knights of Columbus Hall for a fun conversation. Listen in as he talks about his 20-plus years competing in the Special Olympics. Listen to why he says the Special Olympics and those Olympians are so special.Listen in as he talks about the trip and how he is going to catch a Twins-Dodgers game after he competes.Today’s podcast is presented by the Kvichak Fish Co. Think of it as salmon and halibut gone Girl Scout cookie. Place your order today.Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 351: Brittani Ferris
Brittani Ferris is a Butte girl who wears many hats.One of those hats is that of a clown, as she calls herself. Britt is a standup comedian who has been picking up steam with her hilarious act. She has been invited to perform at a show in New York City in the fall.Britt is also a promoter who brings comedy acts to Butte and around the state. She recently brought highly-renowned comic Jamie Campbell to the Mining City for a fun show.Next Friday, June 12, Britt will be part of an all-ladies show at the Covellite Theatre. She will perform along with Aubrey Juden, Amanda Taylor, Abi Gontarek and Rylie Gonzalez. The doors open at 7 p.m., and the show starts at 8. Tickets are just $20 in advance. Click here to get yours.Last year’s show was incredible, and Britt promises that this year will be even better.Earlier today, I met with Britt inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation.Listen in as she talks about telling jokes on stage and all the work she does to promote shows. Listen in as she talks about why you do not want to miss the “Girls will be Girls” show next Friday at the Covellite.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: Perspective is easy now that it is over
When it comes to high school sports, camaraderie outweighs wins, losses and playing time. That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 350: Hellacious Kate and Dino Mac
Their stage names are Hellacious Kate and Dino Mac, but you might know them as Katie Lockmer and MacKenzie Christinsen.They are members of the Copper City Queens roller derby team in Butte, and you can catch them in action Saturday at the Butte Civic Center. The Queens will take on the Big Hole Brawlers from Idaho at 6 p.m. That will be the team’s last home bout until October.Kate is a jammer, meaning she is one of the team members who scores the points. Mac is a blocker. Both are tough as nails, as are all the Copper City players.Both are also relatively new to the team that began in Butte in 2014, and they both look to be competing in roller derby for years to come.Tonight I met with Kate and Mac at the Knights of Columbus to talk about roller derby. It was a bit of an educational experience for me. It was also a lot of fun.Listen in to hear how they got their roller derby names. Listen in to hear that Kate actually has two names. She sometimes skates under the moniker “80’s Katie,” and that name makes her take on a much different persona.Listen in to hear how they got started in roller derby and why they have no plans to stop. Listen in to hear why you should be heading to the Civic Center on Saturday night.You can buy tickets on line or from any of the Copper City Queens player in advance of the bout.Today's podcast is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the friendly non-commission sales staff that always has your back. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: She told me she was the lucky one
My cousin Jody’s daughter Pana Jo passed away on April 21.She was only 35 years old.Pana Jo was as smart and funny as she was adorable. We will all miss her for the rest of our lives.When she was 5 years old, Pana Jo told me how lucky she was. As it turns out, though, we were the lucky ones because she was in our lives.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 349: Eric Dunmire
Eric Dunmire is a Butte wrestling legend.The 1998 Butte High graduate became the first Bulldog — and just the 10th wrestler in Montana history — to win four individual state titles. He compiled a high school record of 152-2, and he never lost to a Montana wrestler in his prep career.Eric won his first title at 105 pounds in 1995, helping the Bulldogs win the team title for the first time since 1992. He won again at 112 pounds as a sophomore, 119 pounds as a junior and 125 pounds as a senior. The Bulldogs won the team title again in 1997.After beginning his college career at Northern Iowa, Eric transferred to MSU-Northern. He placed third at 141 pounds at the 2002 NAIA National Championships, earning All-American honors while competing for the Lights.Eric was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.While Eric has not wrestled competitively in more than 20 years, wrestling never left him. He put in countless hours coaching with the Butte Wrestling Club. He also served as an assistant coach at Butte High under multiple head coaches.Earlier this month, Eric was named head coach of Butte Central’s wrestling team, and he is eager to get going even though the season is more than 6 months away.Yesterday, I met with Eric at the Knights of Columbus for a fun conversation. Listen in as Eric talks about his wrestling career that began when he was 5 years old. Listen as he describes the impact his parents, Pearl and Terry, had on his career.Listen as he talks about the coaches who helped him along the way. Listen as he describes why Jim Street was such an incredible coach.Listen in to hear how Eric is ready to take his love of the sport to Butte Central.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 348: Will McGree
Will McGree is just finishing up his education at Butte Central.The future Montana Tech golfer is graduating near the top of his class — but not high enough that they will make him give a speech. That is just how he likes it.Will was a three-sport athlete for the Maroons. In addition to playing four years of golf, he competed in basketball for three seasons and track for four seasons. He will be competing in the Western A Divisional track meet this Friday and Saturday in Frenchtown. Since he is a McGree, Will competes in the long jump and triple jump. He also throws the javelin and has run the 100- and 400-meter races as well as the 1,600-meter relay this season.In early October, Will tied with his younger brother Beau for 13th place at the Class A State golf tournament in Sidney. That was good for All-State honors for the McGree boys. A week earlier, the two tied for seventh place at the Western A Divisional tournament in Hamilton.The boys’ sister Mya also qualified for State as an eighth grader last fall.On Thursday night, Will is set to be honored as one of the 18 recipients of the 2026 Mariah Daye McCarthy Scholarship. That award goes to graduating seniors who have lived by the ideals of Mariah’s Challenge. That means they got through high school without drinking alcohol or getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking.I have known Will since he was very young, and I always really enjoyed talking to him. Even as a young boy, talking to Will was like talking to an adult. So, I was extremely proud to see him among the names of the newest Mariah’s Messengers.The 18th Annual Mariah Daye McCarthy Scholarship Ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday at Montana Tech’s library auditorium. If you have never been to one of those ceremonies, I highly recommend that you do. You will get a first-hand look at how remarkable these 18 scholarship winners are.Earlier today, I met with Will inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill to talk about the Mariah’s Challenge scholarship and much more.Listen as he talks about growing up a McGree and his years playing sports for the Maroons. Listen as he talks about his plans at Montana Tech, where he will at least start in civil engineering.Listen as he talks about how living up to the ideals of Mariah’s Challenge is just something that came naturally to him.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap ’er Light: Think about the ‘Tony C’
Before you teach your baseball players to “wear” a pitch or “take one for the team,” read a little bit about the great Tony Conigliaro and how one pitch ruined a would-be Hall of Fame career.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 347: Bernie Brophy
Bernie Brophy is heading into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame. Again.He was already inducted four times with championship teams — once as a player and three times as a coach.This July, Bernie will finally go in as an individual, and it is a long-overdue honor.Bernie was a three-sport standout for Butte Central in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He started at tight end for the 1969 state champion Maroons football team. A year later, he was a captain who started at tight end and safety. He earned first-team offensive and defensive All-Conference honors that season. For some strange reason, however, an All-State team was not selected that year.He was selected to play in the 25th annual Montana East-West Shrine Game in 1971.During his senior season, Bernie started all 18 games for the Butte Central basketball team. He excelled in track, winning the city championship in the 100-yard dash. He also ran the anchor leg on BC’s third-place team in the 800-yard relay at the Class A state track meet.Bernie concluded his athletic career playing safety on the Montana State University football team under the legendary Sonny Holland.Bernie was an assistant coach for the 1981 and 1982 Butte Central girls’ and boys track teams. The girls’ team won the state championship in 1981 and 1982. The boys won the state title in 1982. Bernie was also an assistant coach on the 1981 BC football team that advanced to the state championship game. After a brief career as a teacher, Bernie went into the granite business. He owned and operated Butte Granite Works for three decades, and his incredible work helped honor the lives of so many.He has also long been known for being one of the nicest guys you will ever meet.Yesterday, I met with Bernie at the Knights of Columbus for a fun conversation. Listen in as he talks about some of the incredible athletes that he competed with and some of the legendary coaches he played for.Listen as he talks about growing up in Butte and how the Mining City was just full of incredible athletes. Listen as he talks about coaching great players like Brian Morris.Listen in to hear as he talks about the honor of being called to the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Today’s podcast is presented by the Kvichak Fish Co. Think of it as salmon and halibut gone Girl Scout cookie. Place your order today.Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: A piggyback ride down the ‘family run’
Friday will mark 38 years since my cousin Jerry D’Arcy was killed in a crash in the highlands. He was only 20.So, today I am bring back a column that I first published on May 14, 2013.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 346: Russ and Jamie Cleveland
Every time you hear Russ Cleveland talk, you will hear another amazing story.He documented many of those stories on his “60 for 60” videos that he has been posting on his campaign’s social media sites in the run up to the June 2 primary election. Russ is running as a Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in Montan’s 1st Congressional District.He tells stories of meeting his wife when he was 14 years old, but claimed to be 16. He tells a story of working at a bank and having a gun pulled on him during a robbery. He tells the story of his oldest daughter and her courageous battle with leukemia. Today, we hear another incredible story as we talk to Russ and his daughter Jamie. Last week, Jamie signed to compete in track for the Orediggers when she attends Montana Tech. She is following her mother into her field of study, and she is following her father as an Oredigger. Russ played football for coach Bob Green.Jamie is a senior in high school in St. Regis, and she already earned an associate’s degree, thanks to dual credits offered through the high school.She really seems to have a head start on college and life in general, and none of that would be possible if it was not for Russ, his wife Kate and their family.Russ and Kate adopted Jamie when she was a freshman in high school. They first met her when Kate was coaching basketball and Russ was coaching track.Jamie came from a life of abuse and neglect, and the Cleveland family welcomed her in as one of their own. She is not their “adopted daughter.” She is simply their daughter.This morning, I met with Russ and Jamie at The Local on Galena Street to listen to them tell their story.Listen in to hear what it was like for Jamie to become a Cleveland. Listen to what led her to Montana Tech. Listen to hear Jamie describe Russ as a coach and a parent. Listen as she talks about Russ’ unusual style of eating cereal, which I find to be ingenious.You can meet Russ in person Wednesday when he holds a rally and a cookout at Stodden Park. The family event begins at 6 p.m. and hotdogs will be provided. If we’re lucky, Russ might even tell you another one of his incredible life stories.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 345: Max Demarais
As a sophomore in high school, Max Demarais could have probably run for any office in town — and won easily.Around here, he was as famous as he is likable.Max was diagnosed with a tumor behind his right eye after he struggled with the vision test while taking the driver’s education program. It was the summer before his freshman year at Butte High School.That led to rounds of chemotherapy before he eventually made the incredibly tough decision — as a sophomore — to have his eye surgically removed.That, did not stop Max. While the vision problem might have ended his basketball career a little early, he still went on to a great career playing defensive line for the Bulldogs. He also played baseball after the removal of the eye, hitting over .300 one season for the Butte Muckers and wiping away excuses for people like me who couldn’t hit the ball with two eyes.Max grew up dreaming of playing football for the Montana State Bobcats. His family has long held season tickets, and Max went to his first Bobcat game in the first few days of his life.He did not end up playing for the Cats, but this morning he graduated from the school with an engineering job already in hand. He graduated as a highly-decorated student with some prestigious scholarships in his pocket.Before he starts that new career in Missoula — where he will not become a Grizzly fan — Max is going to spend a month traveling around Europe for a well-deserved vacation after graduating from MSU in four years.Yesterday, I met up with Max over Zoom for a conversation on the eve of his college graduation. Listen in as Max talks about his fight with cancer and how he kept a positive attitude throughout.Listen as he talks about the support he received from his teammates, friends and people from the community who he never knew.Listen as he talks about his four years of college and find out how much MSU national championship gear he already owns.Today's podcast is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the friendly non-commission sales staff that always has your back. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.Today's episode is also available on YouTube.
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No. 344: Jamie Campbell
Jamie Campbell is a standup comedian who will be performing at Butte’s Covellite Theatre on Thursday, May 14. Advanced tickets are recommended for this show because it just might sell out. (Click here to buy tickets.)Jamie will bring his high-energy, storytelling and positive vibe to the Mining City all the way from Kansas City, where he is still getting used to that Midwest nice. Known for finding humor even in life’s toughest moments, Jamie delivers sharp, relatable comedy that connects with audiences across the country.You may recognize Jamie from his Drybar Comedy special Middle Man, as well as appearances on Chicago Fire, Hollywood Darlings, and the Emmy-nominated ABC series Boondoggle. His style blends heartfelt perspective with big laughs, shaped by a life story that proves comedy can shine light in even the darkest places.Thursday’s show will be hosted by Brittani Ferris, owner of Uptown Comedy. Kane O'Neil will also be the opener, and Jamie will take part in a meet and greet at the 51 Below Speakeasy after the show, which is rated PG-13 and family friendly.Earlier today, I met with Jamie over Zoom for a fun conversation.Listen in to hear how he became a comedian in the first place. Listen as he talks about working with people like Damon Waynes, Jeff Garlin and Dana Carvey.Listen as he talks about his comedy influences and how he wants audience members leaving his shows feeling good about themselves. Listen in to see that next Thursday will be a show that you do not want to miss.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.This episode is also available on YouTube.
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Tap 'er Light: Holy buckets, we need to learn the rules
Baseball is our national pastime. So, too, is yelling at the umpires.Yelling at the men and women calling balls and strikes is as American as Apple Pie, road rage and not being able to afford health insurance.It is something that we all do from time to time.It is, however, a good idea to know what you are talking about if you are going to yell at the umps during a game. Most fans have not read the rule book, and that usually shows when they yell at the umpire who did.When that happens, the fans are the ones who look bad in the end. We saw that recently when the umpires got the call right in a Butte Central-Dillon baseball game at 3 Legends Stadium.The fans were wrong, and GameChanger video gave the umpire the last laugh.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 343: John Kovacich
John Kovacich is going to double dip this summer as the Butte Sports Hall of Fame inducts its 20th class.John will finally go in as an individual inductee during the July 24-25 ceremonies at the Butte Civic Center. He was voted into the Hall by the selection committee earlier this year. John will also go in as a member of the 1972 Mile High All-Star baseball team. That team is still Butte’s only 12-year-old (and under) Little League baseball team to win a state title and advance to the West Regional in San Bernardino, California.Oh, and John was a member of the 1977 Butte High state championship football team that was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame in 2005. John was a first-team All-State defensive back and a second-team All-State punter on the team that finished the season with an 11-0 record. The Bulldogs gave up just 20 total points that season, and it was named as Butte High’s best team of the 20th Century by Pat Kearney.John, who also started two seasons on Butte High’s basketball team, took his talents to the University of Montana. He helped the Grizzlies win the 1982 Big Sky Conference football title.Today, John is retired and living in Missoula, though that’s not how he puts it. He says he’s from Butte and vacationing in Missoula.Earlier today, I met with John inside the Vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen in as John talks about playing for championship teams in Little League, high school and college.Listen as he talks about many of his coaches and teammates and how he is still connected with so many of those great people. Listen as he talks about joining so many of them in the Butte Sports Hall of Fame.Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 342: Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton
Shirley Chesterfield-Stanton will be inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame this July.She is one of the many overdue members of the Class of 2026. While some might not have recognized that name when the class was announced in February, Shirley was well known in Helena.The retired physical education teacher spent 40 years coaching at Helena Capital. She coached gymnastics and track, and her teams won multiple state titles in both sports. She also served as announcer for Helena Capital football, basketball and volleyball.Shirley was a star in track, gymnastics and volleyball at Montana State University from 1972 through 1976. She qualified for the National Track & Field Championships in 1975. She was also a part of four state championship softball teams.That athletic career got its start in the Mining City, after her parents moved to town when she was in the sixth grade. In the days before Title IX, Shirley grew up dreaming of competing in sports. There were not a lot of opportunities for girls, however.She played volleyball at Emerson Elementary before competing in track, gymnastics and cross country at Butte High. Then, the girls had to wear smaller letters on their letter jackets, as not to offend the boys.Today, girls have all kinds of opportunities in sports. That is largely because of the determination and perseverance of people like Shirley, who dedicated her life to athletics.Shirley was inducted into the Montana Coaches Association Hall of fame in 2002, the Helena Sports Hall of Fame in 2009, and the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2018. The Montana Coaches Association awarded her the National Distinguished Service award in 2024.Today’s podcast is presented by the Kvichak Fish Co. Think of it as salmon and halibut gone Girl Scout cookie. Place your order today.Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: These 17 keep Mariah’s message alive
As many of you know, Mariah’s Challenge is very important to me.Mariah’s Challenge rose out of the ashes of a tragedy that took the life of 14-year-old Mariah McCarthy on Oct. 28, 2007.She and two friends were run over by an underage drunk driver while they walked on a trial beside Blacktail Lane. The friends survived, but Mariah was pronounced dead after being flown to Missoula.That tragedy led me to make a major change in my life. I have not had a single drop of alcohol since. More importantly, it also led to Mariah’s Challenge, which awards students with a $1,000 scholarship if they go through high school without drinking alcohol.The latest class will be honored at a ceremony May 21 at Montana Tech.None of these 17 scholarship winners knew Mariah, yet they are keeping her message going strong 18 and a half years after she left us.It is important to let these impressive young men and women know how impressive that is.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.
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No. 341: Rayelynn Brandl
I voted for myself when I ran for chief executive of Butte-Silver Bow in 2024. But I have to say, it wasn’t the obvious decision.Rayelynn Brandl also ran for chief executive that year. She got into the race a few months after I did. Had she announced she was running earlier, I might not have filed to run at all.Getting to know her and hearing her ideas during the campaign convinced me that she would be an outstanding chief executive. I really hope she runs again.After the election, Rayelynn showed that her reason for running was true when she ran to be a member of the advisory council to review the charter of our local government.She is part of a great group of civic-minded individuals who have been working for well over a year to make recommendations to voters of Butte-Silver Bow. Those recommendations included possibly moving away from the chief executive model to one with a city manager. The recommendations include dropping the number of county commissioners from 12 to four and to also possibly solve the dispute between our volunteer firefighters and our career firefighters once and for all.It is a tough and thankless job, and you can learn more about the work the group has been doing tonight at 5:30 at the Butte Brewery. If you cannot make the meeting, there will be more opportunities to learn more about and weigh in on these possible changes.Earlier today, I met with Rayelynn inside the Vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen in as Rayelynn talks about these potential changes. Listen in to hear her qualifications and to learn where she picked up her love of trap shooting. Listen in to see why I hope Rayelynn runs again, whether it is for chief executive, city council or mayor.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: Bulldog dynamic duo takes next step
The four years of Cayde Stajcar and Hudson Luedtke at Butte High did not produce the state championships like we thought they might.Well, at least not yet. Stajcar is still playing baseball for Butte High.But the four years with those two playing three different sports for the Bulldogs certainly did not disappoint. Stajcar won the Gatorade in baseball, and Luedtke shattered Butte High’s boys’ basketball all-time scoring record.And, really, he could have won at least one Gatorade.Stajcar and Luedtke are humble and talented. They are both tremendous teammates, no matter the sport.It will be sad to see them leave Butte High. But it is exciting to see that each will be taking the next step in their careers by signing with a junior college, Stajcar with Central Arizona for baseball and Luedtke with Casper College for basketball.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 340: Jeff Mangan
If you are tired of all the money thrown into our elections in Montana, then this episode is for you.If you were exhausted by the millions of Tester-Sheehy commercials by April of 2024, then Jeff Mangan is your guy. Jeff is a 1982 Helena High graduate who has deep family roots in Butte and Anaconda. He is one of the driving forces behind the Montana Plan.The Montana Plan would use the state’s authority to define what powers corporations get, effectively bypassing the dreadful 2010 Citizens United ruling by the United States Supreme Court.Also known as the Transparent Elections Initiative, the Montana Plan would take the anonymous power out of the hands of the corporations and give it back to the people of the state.This David vs. Goliath venture is already being copied in other states, and Jeff and his enormous band of volunteers have been working on this for more than a year.Jeff, who served eight years in the Montana Legislature before serving a term as Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices, will be in Butte May 7 for a free screening of the 2018 documentary “Dark Money” at the Covellite Theatre. He will have some of the players in the movie on hand for a discussion after the film.That will also be a great place for you to sign the petition to make sure the non-partisan Montana Plan goes before voters in November. Last Summer, Erik Nylund and I met Jeff in Helena for an episode of the Mad About Montana Podcast. Earlier today, I caught up with Jeff over Zoom for a great conversation.Listen in to hear Jeff explain how the Montana Plan will work. Listen in to hear why you might want to sign the petition to get the initiative on the ballot. Listen in to hear some rare optimism about the future of our political system.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.This episode is also available on YouTube.
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No. 339: Josh Paffhausen
Who is the greatest athlete in Butte High history?My brother will probably tell you that it is Todd Ericson. Some of the younger generations will tell you that it is Tommy Mellott or maybe even Hudson Luedtke. The old guys will tell you, without question, that it is Bob O’Billovich, and they will think you are a fool if you disagree with them.They might be right.However, I will forever say that it is Josh Paffhausen, and my mind is completely closed on the matter. You will get me to cheer for the Packers before you’ll get me to admit anyone was ever better than my fellow member of Butte High’s Class of 1993, and I will never cheer for the Packers.Paffer was the quarterback of the 1991 Butte High Class AA State championship football team. He led the Class AA in all-purpose yardage two years in a row.He was part of the Montana Grizzlies NCAA Division 1-AA national championship team in 1995. He switched from quarterback to receiver, and he broke the school record with 15 receptions in one game in 1997. That record lasted for nearly two decades.He played the rest of his senior season without an ACL in one of his knees.Paffer was also a great basketball player for the Bulldogs, and he could run like a deer on the track. He was good at anything he did. He probably would have been the No. 1 player on the golf or tennis team, and I bet he would have been a heck of a cross country runner.Paffer was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame in 2013 alongside his father, Wayne. This summer, Josh will be back in town to see his brother, Scott, inducted into the shrine.Earlier today, I caught up with Josh over Zoom for a fun conversation.Listen in as he talks about his days playing for Bulldogs and Grizzlies. Listen as he talks about winning those titles and the Grizzlies’ return trip to Marshall to face Randy Moss and the Thundering Heard in 1996.Listen as he downplays catching 15 passes in one game and how he finished that season without an ACL.Listen to hear why Paffer was always a team player, even if the Butte High school paper once referred to him as “Everybody’s All-American.”Today's podcast is brought to you by Thriftway Super Stops. Join the Thriftway Loyalty Club today and save big. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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Tap 'er Light: Time limits are a sign of the apocalypse
As Ted Lasso might say, time limits and ties in baseball and softball just might be the first sign of the apocalypse.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 338: Jaxon Williamson
You will not be seeing today’s podcast guest pitching for the Butte High Bulldogs during his senior season.Jaxon Williamson can only watch as the Bulldogs play their fourth season of high school baseball because he underwent Tommy John Surgery in November. Tommy John surgery means that the Ulnar Collateral Ligament was reconstructed in his right elbow. The procedure is named after John, who was the first pitcher to undergo the procedure in 1974.The surgery has a high success rate, but it usually takes 12 to 18 months before a pitcher can pitch again.So, Jaxon will not be on the mound for the Bulldogs again.That is a huge loss for the Bulldogs. As a junior, Williamson was throwing his fastball around 85 mph. He also led the team with a 3.00 ERA. He gave up just 14 hits while striking out 42 batters over 25 and two thirds innings in six starts.Jaxon was primmed for a spot near the top of the Bulldog rotation for one last run at a state title.But the pain in his arm got to be too much last summer, and he was forced to go to operating table, ending his pitching days for the Bulldogs.He will, however, pitch again. Since he has not yet turned 18, Jaxon will have a “super senior” year for the Butte Miners American Legion baseball team. He is hoping to parlay that season into a spot on a college team.Do not bet against him.Jaxon showed us his determination when he worked his way back in time to play for the Butte High basketball team at the end of the season. Earlier today, I met with Jaxon inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation.Listen in as he talks about the injury that led to Tommy John and the long recovery process. Listen to hear that Jaxon doesn’t dwell on the negative about missing his final high school season. He instead focuses on the possibility or his next season.Listen in to hear about the time Jaxon struck out the great Cayde Stajcar, even if Jaxon does not want to brag about it.Listen in to hear me incorrectly say that Tommy John was a Met. I must have been thinking of Tom Sever.Today’s podcast is presented by the Kvichak Fish Co. Think of it as salmon and halibut gone Girl Scout cookie. Place your order today.Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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515
Tap 'er Light: Please stop calling us ‘Buttians’
People from Butte are not “Buttians.” We are Butte guys and Butte girls. We are Butte Rats. No pretense needed.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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No. 337: Kelly Davis
When I was 10 years old, I would often play football by myself in our yard or the front room of our house.At that age, all you need is an imagination to take you anywhere in the world. Mine took me to a football stadium in Bozeman where I played for the Montana State Bobcats with two stars named Kelly.Kelly Bradley was the quarterback for the Bobcats, who went from worst to first and won the national championship in 1984. Bradley passed for 30 touchdowns in that magical season.His big-time receiver was Kelly Davis, who scored 24 touchdowns for the Bobcats in his career.Davis was my favorite Bobcat player because he was a from Butte. Before helping deliver a title for Montana State, Davis helped Butte High win the 1981 Class AA State football title. He also won the 300- and 110-meter hurdles to help the Bulldogs win back-to-back State titles in track in 1981 and 1982.He set state records in both hurdles races as a senior.Kelly Davis, who was inducted into the Butte Sports Hall of Fame in 2011, grew up in a trailer park on Hobson Street in Butte, and he parlayed his football scholarship into a degree in engineering.He now lives in the Denver area, where he and his wife raised four daughters. Even though he lives in Colorado, Kelly is still very much a Bulldog and a Bobcat.This morning, I caught up with Kelly over Zoom for a fun conversation. Listen in to hear about Kelly growing up in Butte and how Betty Merrifield was the second-grade teacher who put him on the straight and narrow.Listen as he talks about competing in grade school track for coach Jim Patrick before playing football for Gene Fogarty at East Junior High School and then heading to Butte High.Listen to hear him talk about blocking for Don Douglas on the 1981 state championship team and playing with those “Cardiac Cats” of 1984.Listen in to hear how he welcomed the newest Bobcat national champions to the club.Today's podcast is brought to you by Leskovar Honda, home of the friendly non-commission sales staff that always has your back. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.Today's episode is also available on YouTube.
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No. 336: Paul Miranda
Paul Miranda is kind of a big deal. Just don’t tell him that.The 1986 graduate of Butte Central has a Ph. D in chemistry from the University of Montana. He also has a master’s degree in metallurgical engineering and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Montana Tech.Not bad for a kid who grew up on La Platte Street on the Butte hill.But don’t call him “doctor.” Just call him Paul. Those boys from La Platte Street have no pretenses.Paul works for Northwestern Energy, and he owns his own business, Eagle Engineering, which he calls a hobby.As of this spring, Paul is also the new coach of the Butte High tennis program. He is using a bit of a Ted Lasso approach as he looks to build something special for the Bulldogs.And Paul knows what it is like to be something special on the tennis court. He helped start the Butte Central tennis program when he was in school, and played at the state tournament for the Maroons. After high school, Paul won more tennis titles than he can even remember.Thanks to some health issues, Paul no longer plays tennis, but he can still coach it. Likewise, he no longer referees basketball. But after his 20-plus years working high school and Frontier Conference games, he is as good of coach for new officials as you will find.Earlie today, I met with Paul inside the vault at the Metals Sports Bar & Grill for a fun conversation. Listen in as he talks about his plans for the Bulldog team that played its first matches last Friday.Listen as he talks about growing up on the hill and his years at Butte Central, where he was the very tiny manager of the 1984 Class A State champion boys’ basketball team. Listen as he talks about the burning feeling he gets when he puts on his Butte High Bulldogs hat.Today’s episode of the ButteCast is presented by the Jewelry Design Center. Let Brian Toone and Co. be your jewelers for life. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.
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No. 335: Debbie Shea
Debbie (Bowman) Shea is a retired teacher who spent 26 years educating the youth of Butte.She also spent 11 years in the Montana Legislature, working to make lives better for the people of the Mining City and the State of Montana.There, she got to work with great Butte statesmen like Fritz Daily, Bob Pavlovich, Joe Quilici and J.D. Lynch. The fact that Debbie is retired, however, does not mean she gave up her work to impact the next generations. She is an author who has been a part of releasing four books.Like her previous work, her latest book focuses on history. This one, “Walking With an Irish Immigrant,” is a book about the grandmother she never knew. It is a tribute to her grandmother.Abigail “Bina” Harrington Healy moved to Butte from Ireland and lived an exceptional, but relatively short life. She passed away before Debbie was born. She lived through the Irish Revolution and the Great Depression. She was even briefly part of a bootlegging operation in Butte, and that is all in the book.Debbie asked questions about her grandmother, but it wasn’t until recent years that she really dove into researching her for the latest project.The book can be found The Corner Bookstore (1877 Harrison Ave.) and on Amazon. It is also likely available at other Butte bookstores.Now a resident of Boise, Idaho, where she can be closer to her grandchildren, Debbie is still — and always will be — a Butte girl.She grew up in Muckerville, living in her family home on the corner of Montana and Woolman until she was what is now considered middle school age. She attended St. Mary’s Grade School and has always embraced her Irish heritage. Later this spring, she will make her 10th visit to “The Emerald Isle.”This morning, I met with Debbie over Zoom for a fun conversation. Listen in as she talks about her grandmother and why she was so fascinated with her story. Listen as she talks about the Butte neighborhoods and why preserving that history is so important.Today's podcast is brought to you by Casagranda's Steakhouse. Eat where the locals eat. Intro music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com. For more from Bill Foley, go to ButteCast.com.This episode is also available on YouTube.
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Tap 'er Light: Missoula thieves steal joy of Duke loss
Watching Duke lose is one of my favorite things. Watching the Blue Devils lose in the NCAA tournament is better than watching the Dallas Cowboys lose on Thanksgiving.Sunday, America got to see that happen thanks to an incredible comeback and a play that will be played over and over for decade.Because some thief or thieves stole my daughter’s wheel — Bed-Stuy style — near the University of Montana on Sunday, I was robbed of that Duke losing joy.That is what today’s column is about. You can read it for yourself at ButteCast.com.Opening music by Tim Montana. For more from the Elk Park native, go to timmontana.com.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Let's get to know some of the characters who make Butte, Montana the "Richest Hill on Earth."
HOSTED BY
Bill Foley
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