Believe in Butte, not the bullsh%t

I don't even know what the post or posts were saying and, to be honest, I'm not going to waste time looking for them or even giving them page views.  It doesn't matter.  They're posts from an imposter.  All I saw was what my friend, Jon Wick, put on Facebook.

In the age of Facebook, Twitter (okay, "X"), and even worse, anonymous message boards, people are comfortable saying behind the relative safety of one's computer or smartphone, things that if they said to someone's face in Uptown Butte would get them punched in the face.  Even worse, using someone's name, identity or likeness is simple to do.  It is commonplace.  It is being done, whether intentionally or unintentionally to a couple of our town's true good people.

Jon and Cassie Wick are a young, active couple who while being incredibly friendly and personable are passionate businesspeople and incredible artists.  My first encounter with Jon came about 10 years ago when he was doing photography and volunteer work for Leo McCarthy and Mariah's Challenge.  Jon was the go-to guy, regardless of what was needed or what task was at hand.  Jon does incredible photography for the Montana Tech Orediggers and even more incredible work as a designer and an artist.  Jon and Cassie run the 5518 store in Uptown Butte along with Dig City Supply.  They run a pair of great businesses and are fantastic neighbors.  They volunteer hundreds of hours each year to organizations in addition to Mariah's Challenge and are promoters of positive change socially.  They are helping rebuild the economic corridor that was once prevalent.  They build friendships.  They are good people.  That is why it is unfathomable to me that someone would take the "5518" name and start talking trash on a sleazy message board.  Here's what another Uptown business owner, John McKee of Headframe Spirits has to say.

John is another guy who is not afraid to stand up for what is right or to speak his mind.  I have also found that John, while unassuming and slyly humble, is one of the smartest human beings you'll ever meet, and his view is well worth noting.  Particularly in this case.

Jon and Cassie Wick are not behind this.  That just is not their style or their nature.  However, in this faceless internet world, sometimes fake news can have real consequences.  Please do not let these false posts influence your decision to shop at either of their incredible stores.  Check out what Dig City Supply and 5518 Designs have waiting for you.  But more importantly, don't let this influence your opinion of them as people.  It's just not them.