Scottie Homecoming Coronation was held Thursday afternoon!

2025 Scottie Homecoming King and Queen

Wyatt Sugg and Tessa Miller!!

Congratulations!

Story from Northern Ag Network:

While recognizing that U.S. agriculture is “under threat,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told agricultural leaders that farming’s future “could not be brighter.” In a wide-ranging speech, Rollins laid out an agenda for supporting crop producers while teasing plans to rebuild the U.S. cattle herd.

In an immediate announcement, Rollins said the final $2 billion under the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) “will be delivered within a week” to producers.

Rollins spoke Thursday at the Ag Outlook Forum in downtown Kansas City, Mo. In her remarks, Rollins placed a large share of blame for the current economic challenges on the Biden administration, noting the Biden administration didn’t negotiate any trade deals, which led the agricultural deficit to balloon. At the same time, expenses have increased dramatically since the last Trump administration.

“We know that agriculture in our country is under threat,” Rollins said.

She added later that trade disruptions have led to immediate consequences affecting a range of commodities. “But we also know that as the President is looking at the long-term fix, the complete realignment of the world economy around American agriculture and American goods, that there are bills that are due this month as we move into harvest. There are loans that have to be secured in the next eight to 12 weeks to plant for next year, that there are mouths to feed, and we have to make some difficult decisions right now. I do not have a silver bullet.”

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday President Trump also suggested in an Oval Office event that an aid program for farmers could be coming soon.

“We’re going to take some of that tariff money that we made, we’re going to give it to our farmers who are — for a little while — going to be hurt,” Trump said while taking questions. “So we’re going to make sure that our farmers are in great shape, because we’re taking in a lot of money.”

In a press conference, Rollins touched on the impact of President Trump’s tariffs and efforts to realign global trade. Rollins acknowledged this has led to market disruption for some key commodities. “We knew there would be a time of uncertainty, and that’s the moment that we’re in right now,” she said.

Rollins told reporters an aid package would likely happen. However, such an announcement would likely not happen until after Congress and the Trump administration resolve whether there will be a government shutdown next week.

“We are not ready to announce a payment plan yet … but we are very close to understanding and knowing and announcing what we will do,” she said.

The secretary pointed out $8 billion has been paid to more than 500,000 producers under ECAP. Another $5 million has gone out to producers this year under the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) for natural-disaster losses in 2023 and 2024.

CHINA MARKET STILL AN OPEN QUESTION

Asked about what it will take to reach a trade deal with China, Rollins said she is in frequent talks with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Rollins noted there are “significant dynamics and nuances at play” in those talks, and she is committed to not second-guessing the president and his strategy.

“I’ve been next to him almost 10 years now, but what I will do is ensure that those that are negotiating and they do fully understand some of the consequences of especially to our soybean growers with zero purchase orders right now and a very robust historical crop,” she said. “But it goes to the most you know, the bigger question, the longer-term vision, and that is, we have to get these markets open. We have to stop relying on one country, perhaps as our largest buyer, and that’s a country that isn’t aligned with our values.”

Rollins acknowledged other commodities, such as sorghum, also rely heavily on China.

Rollins had highlighted to the Outlook crowd some of the other trade deals that the Trump administration had reached with Japan, the Philippines, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the European Union to boost agricultural sales outside of China. Combined with more funding for cooperative groups to promote agricultural trade, Rollins said she expects farmers will see better trade prospects a year from now.

“I know that right now, today, we have yet to see a marked difference; but by next year, we believe so sincerely in my meetings with these cooperators and the buyers overseas, the future could not be brighter,” she said.

PRESSURE ON INPUT PRICES

Rollins also said she is going to become more vocal with the Federal Reserve to press for more interest-rate reductions going forward.

“You may or may not have heard President Trump talk about this, forcing all to borrow money at elevated interest rates. I’m not sure anyone feels this pain more than our farmers and ranchers. The Fed needs to keep lowering rates so farmers and rural communities can finally see relief, and I’ll be talking about that as we move toward the next meeting of the Fed,” she said.

When it comes to fertilizer, fuel and other inputs, Rollins noted fertilizer prices have increased 37% over the last five years. The high input prices have led USDA and the Department of Justice to sign a memorandum of understanding earlier this year to protect farmers and ranchers from higher input prices and ensure competitive supply chains. Rollins said the Antitrust Division “will work hand-in-hand with USDA effective immediately to take a hard look and scrutinize competitive conditions in the agricultural marketplace,” Rollins said.

“Farmers have enough challenges to deal with; sky-high input prices should not be one of them,” Rollins said.

The secretary also pointed to efforts within the Trump administration to reduce costs for the H-2A migrant labor program. The Labor Department has streamlined the interview process for returning H-2A workers and USDA has eliminated the Farm Labor Survey, which was being used to set “artificially inflated” wages for H-2A workers, she said.

CATTLE INDUSTRY PLANS

Rollins also clarified plans announced last weekend to “rebuild the American cattle supply.” The statement was made in a news release about New World screwworm. It stated the Trump administration planned to “incentivize” ranchers to expand the national cattle herd, which is now the smallest in 75 years.

The secretary said incentives would not include payments to cattle producers. There were a lot of immediate questions within the cattle industry over whether USDA would look to pay producers to hold back heifers to breed. Rollins made it clear that it does not mean a payment program.

“There’s been a lot of speculation about this in the news in the last couple of days, we have no current plans to offer any payment to beef producers,” Rollins said. “We see how the government getting involved can completely distort the markets. And so currently, there will be no plan — no plan is even under consideration — to insert ourselves through payments into the beef cattle industry.”

Still, Rollins said Americans continue to eat more meat. The Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) plans in the Trump administration and new dietary guidelines are likely to champion protein products such as beef, pork and dairy, Rollins said.

“As we move forward, low inventory and high demand is not sustainable if we wish to be a country that can feed ourselves,” Rollins said. “Like so many of the problems that you face, our cattle inventory, unfortunately, cannot be built, rebuilt overnight.

USDA plans to announce “a new cattle business strategy” in mid-October — assuming a government shutdown doesn’t delay those plans. Rollins said the plans would include “opening up more working lands” to livestock and expanding risk management tools for livestock producers. The plan will also include Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, which implies some type of incentive to graze more cattle on federal land.

Rollins concluded, “Despite the ongoing storms, I am confident that our best days in American agriculture are truly ahead.”

A Wolf Point man who assaulted two individuals on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced this week to 48 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Philip Ray Azure, 22, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to assault resulting in serious bodily injury.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The first incident occurred on March 16, 2023, when Azure went to John Doe’s residence in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Azure and John Doe were friends and were drinking alcohol together. Azure became intoxicated and was asked to leave for being too loud. A family member of Doe’s, who also lives in the home, started to walk Azure out. As he was leaving, Azure struck the family member. John Doe confronted Azure about hitting his family member. Azure pulled out a knife and stabbed Doe in the chest and then turned and walked away without saying anything.

Doe was rushed to the hospital for treatment of his serious injuries and later airlifted to Billings for surgery. After surgery to repair his lung, Doe spent a week in the hospital.

The second incident happened on January 27, 2024. Azure and several friends, including two co-defendants, and the victim, John Doe 2, were in a yard in Wolf Point, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, playing a game of “slap-boxing.” The fighting escalated and eventually the group separated. Azure and his co-defendants returned home, and John Doe 2 arrived a short time later asking for his phone. Azure and his co-defendants exited the home and confronted Doe 2 in the driveway.

Several people witnessed the assault. One witness described seeing Azure and his co-defendants hitting John Doe 2 and saw someone using a bat and someone else using a hammer. A second witness saw Azure and his two co-defendants approach Doe 2 while he backed away and said all three “jumped” Doe 2. That witness saw Azure use a bat during the assault.

Doe 2 died at the scene before law enforcement arrived. According to an autopsy, he died from blunt and sharp force injuries to the head and chest, including a stab wound to the chest that perforated Doe 2’s sternum, heart, and esophagus.

Azure was arrested the day after the second assault. He initially claimed he wasn’t there when Doe 2 was assaulted. He later admitted he was involved but didn’t remember the details because he was intoxicated. He claimed Doe 2 had a big knife and he ultimately hit Doe 2 with a bat to stop him from using the knife. None of the other witnesses reported seeing Doe 2 with a knife.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI, Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, and Wolf Point Police Department conducted the investigation.

A Poplar man who sexually abused a minor was sentenced this week to 54 months in prison to be followed by 10 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Jonathan Robert Walking Eagle, 23, pleaded guilty in May 2025 to two counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided.

The government alleged in court documents that on January 24 and 25, 2023, Walking Eagle, then 20 years old, sexually abused a 14-year-old girl on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, in both Poplar and Wolf Point.

The first incident occurred on January 24, 2023, in Poplar. The victim went with Walking Eagle to his mother’s house, and they unprotected sex. The second incident occurred the next day, in Wolf Point. A friend of Walking Eagle’s picked up Walking Eagle and the victim and drove them to Wolf Point, where the victim used marijuana and vaped. She became lightheaded and Walking Eagle removed her clothes and sexually assaulted her.

A SANE exam was completed on the victim and saliva samples were obtained from Walking Eagle. There was very strong support that his DNA was present in the samples obtained from the victim during her exam.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Fort Peck Tribal Police, and Wolf Point Police Department, with assistance from the Williston Police Department.

Some good news for the oil and gas industry: North Dakota saw a slight increase in production in July.

The state saw roughly 2,150 more barrels a day compared to June, sitting at just under 36 million barrels for July.

Gas production was nearly 2% more than in June, extracting more than 3.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day.

At Tuesday’s director’s cut, a state official said the Bison Xpress Project is still set to be completed by next March.

Pipeline Authority Director Justin Kringstad responded to the question of what gas flow market shares look like between the Rockies and the Midwest.

“We’ve got about 5-10% of North Dakota’s natural gas production that stays locally within the North Dakota-Eastern Montana region. The rest of that moves out of state,” said Kringstad.

Kringstad said when the Bison Xpress project kicks off, there will be higher numbers of Bakken gas moving into the Rockies.

The Glasgow Scottie Homecoming Parade is set for Friday afternoon. Here is the parade lineup. The Scottie canon will be part of the parade and it sounds like the canon will be set off to start the parade!

Everyone is invited to Unleashing the Scotties at 6:40 p.m. on Friday before the football game. Please show up a few minutes beforehand to line up and cheer on the Scotties as they walk from the gym entrance down to the field. Lineups will start at 6:30 p.m.

Story credit to Montana Free Press:

Barry Beach, the man who spent 30 years in prison for a murder he says he didn’t commit, will soon finish the commuted probationary sentence issued by a former Montana governor who once argued for his lifetime imprisonment.

Speaking on Sept. 18 at a three-day conference presented by Montana Free Press, Beach said his 10-year probationary sentence, issued by former Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock in 2015, was ending soon.

“The notification came out this morning on the Victim Information Network that Barry Beach is about to be released from probation,” he told an audience at Montana State University. The announcement drew applause. VINE, as the network is known, indicates that Beach’s probation ends Nov. 17.

Beach, who turns 63 this year, was sentenced in 1984 to 100 years in prison for the 1979 murder of Kimberly Nees. It was a crime that Beach confessed to years later during a seven-hour interrogation in Louisiana. His stepmother, fearing that her daughter was going to run away with Beach in 1983, told the Ouachita sheriff’s department that Beach was a Montana murder suspect. After four days in jail and a seven-hour interrogation, Beach made his confession but later recanted.

After police brought him back to Montana, Beach was tried in Roosevelt County. The special prosecutor in the 1984 trial was Marc Racicot, who was later twice elected as Montana’s Republican governor in the 1990s. Racicot still maintains that Beach is guilty, and argued in 2014 against granting Beach clemency.

Several details about the murder didn’t point to Beach. A bloody handprint on the side of the victim’s vehicle wasn’t a match for Nees or Beach. The victim had been dragged 100 yards to the Poplar River, but footprints along the path weren’t a match for Beach.

“There are no forensic matches in any way, any shape, any form,” Beach said. “But my beloved Marc Racicot has stated several times that I am not credible because my story has changed. Let’s bring that focus into the state of Montana and their focus of the bloody palm print that was found on the side of the vehicle where the assailant drug the victim out of the pickup. What the forensic science proves is when they drug the victim out of the pickup, they put their palm on the side of the cab to pull.

“And there’s a bloody palm print the state of Montana and Marc Racicot has changed their theory on that palm print four different times. Now, 20, 40, some years later, the belief is that palm print is absolutely of no value, when the FBI, the Roosevelt County sheriff and every other law enforcement in the state for 15 years used that palm print to eliminate suspects, except for me, by the way. That’s my point about forensic science. We need to work on our court system and get back to the fundamentals of what we believe our court system is supposed to do.”

Centurion Ministries, a nonprofit organization that takes up cases for what it says are the wrongly convicted, attracted media attention to Beach’s case in 2008. That year, the investigative NBC news program “Dateline” featured the Barry Beach story and raised questions about whether Beach was the killer, based primarily on evidence presented by Centurion, which at the time had succeeded in freeing 52 people.

He was never exonerated, but eventually Beach inspired a change to Montana law granting the governor sole authority on commutations. The change limited the power of the state parole board, which had blocked a previous attempt by Beach seeking parole.

Bullock, who as attorney general argued against Beach’s release from prison, commuted Beach’s sentence in 2015 to credit for time served, plus 10 years probation.Speaking on Sept. 18, Beach credited several Democrats for persuading Bullock to make the commutation.

“I’m extremely grateful to them because they’re the ones who rallied the press and convinced Gov. Bullock to utilize his power,” Beach said.

Beach appeared at Montana Free Press Fest as a session-ending keynote speaker with long-time friend Marcia Price. Price was part of a group of volunteers who worked for Beach’s release a decade ago, then helped him transition to life on the outside.

Centurion in 2008 attempted to get Beach another trial based on new evidence. The request was denied in a lower court, but the Montana Supreme Court in 2009 ordered that the request for a new trial be reconsidered. In 2011, a different district court judge reviewed the new evidence and threw out Beach’s original conviction. That December, Beach was released from custody, but the state Supreme Court in 2013 overturned his release, ordering him back to prison, after 18 months on the outside, to serve out his life sentence.

One supporter offered Beach $10,000 and a car to drive into Canada rather than return to prison. But Beach said he had to surrender to the state.

“I had made a promise to Jim McCloskey of Centurion Ministries that no matter what the outcome was, he had my word I would turn myself in if I had to,” Beach said. “It’s never been so hard in my life to keep a promise.”

Price was with Beach at a Billings bank when they learned that he had to turn himself in immediately. He had been living as a free man, with a car, bank account and steady employment as a handyman. They went to the sheriff’s office so Beach could surrender.

“They were standing there waiting for us, and he started taking off his belt and his eyeglasses, and gave me the car keys,” Price told the audience. “And then he came back and he said, ‘No, I’m not gonna let him do that to me.’ And he put his belt back on and his glasses, and he said, they’ll take him away from me, but I don’t want to look like that when I walk in.’”

It was May 2013 when Beach turned himself in. He remained in prison serving the same 100-year sentence he received in 1984, until November 2015 when Bullock granted Beach clemency.

Beach finished his talk by recommending changes to the corrections system. He said that no prison stay should be shorter than five years.

“If you’re going to spend the taxpayers’ dollars to send somebody to prison, make sure they’re going to stay there for at least five years. If they are not there between five to 10 years, day for day, prison doesn’t hit them,” Beach said. “These people that you’re sending into prison, and they’re doing a year and a half, two years, three years, and getting out on parole and coming back and doing six months and getting out on parole, you’re wasting taxpayers’ money.”

Prisoners need to be incarcerated long enough to reflect on what they’ve lost, Beach said. At five years, a prisoner’s contact with the outside world fade away, he told the audience.

“I do not believe we should ever, ever, ever keep anybody in prison for more than 25 years,” Beach added. “You are wasting taxpayers’ dollars if you’re fighting to keep somebody beyond 25 years. That means that the prison system has not reformed them. And if you can’t reform them within 25 years, you have failed, and you don’t need my money to try again for the next 20 years.”

Montana Department of Transportation is in the planning stage of a major highway rehabilitation in Valley County. Highway #24 from Fort Peck to Glasgow is set to be totally redone at a cost of $26 million. The project is estimated to start construction in 2026.

FORT PECK - NORTHWEST

This Rehabilitation project (8716000) is in design and construction is anticipated in Calendar Year 2026. The estimated cost for construction is $26,000,000.

PROJECT LOCATION:

Glendive District
Valley County
MDT Corridor Route C000042N between Reference Markers 59.550 and 73.300.

SIGNED ROUTE/STREET NAME: MONTANA 24, MONTANA 42

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: Located along MT Highway 24 northwest of Fort Peck enroute to Glasgow and is 13.8 miles in length. The project includes pulverization of the existing surface followed by a new overlay, widening of the roadway to include 2-foot shoulders, chip seal, rumble strips, upgraded signing and pavement markings. Additionally, guardrail end sections will be updated, and any incorrectly installed rail will be repaired or reset.

The Internal Revenue Service issued guidance on Monday that provides tax relief for farmers and ranchers in applicable states and regions who sold or exchanged livestock because of drought conditions.

Under the guidance, farmers and ranchers may take more time to replace their livestock and defer tax on any gains from the forced sales or exchanges.

Counties in our area that qualify include: Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Hill, Liberty, Phillps and Valley.

The tax relief generally applies to capital gains realized by eligible farmers and ranchers from sales or exchanges of livestock held for draft, dairy or breeding purposes. Sales of other livestock – such as those raised for slaughter or held for sporting purposes – and sales of poultry do not qualify.

Eligible farmers and ranchers must show that drought prompted the sales or exchanges, and that the area received a federal drought designation. Generally, livestock must be replaced within a four-year period, instead of the usual two-year period.

ATTENTION:
GLASGOW HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATES
ATTENDING TRADE SCHOOL OR COLLEGE EITHER ON CAMPUS OR ONLINE.
YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL AID FROM
THE GLASGOW HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL TRUST.

Log on to www.ghsedutrust.org NOW for the application and ALL the requirements, so that you can complete your application by the October 15, 2025, deadline.

REMINDER:
If you completed the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), your GHS Educational Trust application must include a signed and dated copy of your acceptance letter indicating what aid you have accepted.

If you have any questions, contact daniander@nemont.net. (406) 230-0153.

Here is a look at ALL events for Homecoming Week!

Homecoming Week Theme -- “Eliminate the Eagles”

Monday Sept. 22nd -- (EMO / GOTH at GHS & GMS, Mismatch Monday at Irle)
Tuesday Sept. 23rd -- (Anywhere But School at GHS & GMS, Tacky Tourist Tuesday at Irle)
Tuesday Sept. 23rd -- Kindergarten thru 5th Grade assembly at Bundy Park w/ Scottie Pep Band 1:15-1:30 PM

Wednesday Sept. 24th -- (Historical Figures at GHS & GMS, Workout Wednesday at Irle)
Wednesday Sept. 24th -- Scottie Pep Band Marches around GMS 1:15-1:30 PM
Wednesday Sept. 24th -- Car Parade Line-up 6:45 PM (El Cor Del)
Wednesday Sept. 24th -- Bonfire 7:00 PM (GHS)
Wednesday Sept. 24th -- “Mad about Plaid” Homecoming Dance after Bonfire (ALL GHS Students and Co-Op Athletes) 8:00- 10:00 PM

Thursday Sept. 25th -- (Red and White Day at GHS, GMS, and Irle)
Thursday Sept. 25th -- Grades 3rd, 4th and 5th assembly at 9:00 AM in the Irle cafeteria w/ GHS Cheer
Thursday Sept. 25th -- Grades K, 1st, and 2nd assembly at 9:30 AM in the Irle cafeteria w/GHS Cheer
Thursday Sept. 25th -- After the little guys assembly Cheerleaders and Mascot go to recess with K&1 at 9:55-10:10 AM and recess with 2nd & 3rd at 10:15-10:30 AM.
Thursday Sept. 25th -- GHS Cheer, Mascot, and ALL Fall Senior Athletes @ GMS Pep Assembly-- EVERYONE WEARS RED!! 10:45 AM
Thursday Sept. 25th -- GHS Cheer at Head Start Preschool 11:30 AM - 12:09 PM
Thursday Sept. 25th -- GHS Coronation @ GHS Auditorium 3:20 PM (GHS Choir's perform Scotland the Brave)
Thursday Sept. 25th -- HS/MS Cross Country at Frazer Invitational (HS bus leaves at 4:00 PM)

Friday Sept. 26th -- (Community Red and White / Scottie Spirit Day)-
Friday Sept. 26th -- Homecoming Parade 2:30 PM (Line-up at 2 PM in front of Civic Center)
Friday Sept. 26th -- Scottie Booster Club Community Tailgate Party 6:00 PM (Food provided by Independence Bank)
Friday Sept. 26th -- “Unleash the Scotties” 6:30 PM all fans line-up from GHS Room 1 Doors to Scottie Field. Scottie Teams will walk the tunnel at 6:40 PM.
Friday Sept. 26th -- HS FB vs. Fairfield 7:00 PM (GHS Swing Choir performs National Anthem). (Halftime featuring Saskatoon Police Pipe Band, Scottie Pep Band, and Hi-Line Cloggers.)

Saturday Sept. 27th -- JV FB vs. Fairfield 9:00 AM
Saturday Sept. 27th -- MS VB @ Scobey
Saturday Sept. 27th -- MS FB @ Malta
Saturday Sept. 27th -- HS VB vs. Poplar 1:00 PM (JV/V) (Saskatoon Police Pipe Band will play at 5:00 PM) -- Farmers and Animals Theme

The federal government charged a Poplar man on three counts of second-degree murder, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

Michael Joseph Ackerman, 73, also known as Michael Joseph Littlebull, told deputies that preceding the murders he and three victims were in his Poplar home all using methamphetamine on Sept. 11, according to charging documents.

Michael Joseph Ackerman was booked in Yellowstone County Detention Facility Sept. 14. He is still detained there currently.

Ackerman believed that they were “setting him up,” court documents said. Ackerman stated he was in the bedroom with one of the victims who had a pistol in her hand. Michael then picked up a 9 mm Smith & Wesson and shot her twice in the head.

Ackerman then went to another room in the household after hearing two other people who were sleeping. He allegedly shot them both. Victims included Ackerman’s wife Earlene Lucy Jones Ackerman, 65, Matthew Earl Black Thunder, 41 and Winona “Nona Sioux” Longee, 35.

In the morning of Sept. 14, Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call for service in Billings. The caller told police that his adoptive father killed the victims in the murders.

Deputies then talked to Ackerman inside the Billings residence, and he allegedly waived his rights and agreed to speak with them, according to court documents.

After detailing the murders, he told police they would find the victims inside his residence in Poplar. The Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office then connected with Fort Peck Tribal Police, who after no response at the home, obtained a search warrant for the house.

Officers then located the three dead bodies mentioned by Ackerman, all with apparent gunshot wounds. Four bullet casings were found near the bodies, according to court documents.

Second-degree murder describes an unlawful killing that is typically done with malicious intent, but is not premeditated. A charge carries maximum penalties of life in prison and a $250,000 fine.

Following the murders, Fort Peck Tribal Chairman Justin Gray Hawk, Sr. wrote a letter to Fort Peck residents Monday, promising efforts to make the community feel safe again as the reservation grieves.

A Harlem man who sexually abused a minor on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation admitted to charges this week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Ivan Daniel Raining Bird, 35, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual abuse of a minor. Raining Bird faces a term of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and at least 5 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 29, 2025. Raining Bird was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that John Doe was about 13 years old when he received a Facebook Message from a user who went by “Ivey” and appeared to be a woman. “Ivey” turned out to be the defendant, Ivan Raining Bird, who was in his late twenties at the time. Doe and Raining Bird continued to message, and Raining Bird eventually invited Doe over to his house.

When Doe arrived at Raining Bird’s house, he realized Raining Bird was a man dressed as a woman. Doe and Raining Bird shared substances and Raining Bird performed oral sex on Doe. For several months, Raining Bird committed similar assaults on Doe.

The FBI investigated Doe’s disclosure of the abuse and interviewed Raining Bird. Raining Bird admitted sharing drugs with teenagers in the past and specifically admitted he knew John Doe was a minor and sexually assaulted him on multiple occasions.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Services conducted the investigation.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate was at 2.9% in August, marking the eleventh straight month under 3% and over four consecutive years of unemployment at or below 3.4%, a new record.

“In Montana, we’re committed to working across the public and private sector to promote career pathways for all Montanans to reach their full, outstanding potential,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Over the next few weeks, the Department of Labor and Industry is hitting the road to highlight this new initiative, 406 JOBS, to inform Montanans of the resources available to enter or re-enter the workforce.”

Montana’s unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 4.3% in August. Montana remained in the top five states in the nation with the lowest unemployment rates.

The unemployment rate for Valley County was 2.5% compared to the previous year of 2.4%.

Total employment (which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers) increased slightly in August. Payroll jobs remained unchanged over the month, following the addition of 1,200 jobs in July. The transportation, accommodation, and food service industries have added the most jobs over the last three months, offsetting declines in education, manufacturing, and federal government employment.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4% on a seasonally adjusted basis in August. The index for shelter rose 0.4% in August, the primary factor for the monthly all items increase. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index rose 2.9% with core inflation rising 3.1%. The index for all items minus food and energy, or core inflation, rose 0.3% in August.

###Update as of September 18th, 2025, 1406 hours, Marcy Iron Bear has been located and is safe.##

Authorities on the Fort Peck Reservation in Montana are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing person.

According to a release on the tribe’s law enforcement Facebook page, 36-year-old Marcy Ironbear has been missing since Sept. 8 from Fort Peck.

Ironbear is 5’4”, 200 lbs., with brown hair and brown eyes.

She may also go by the names Green or Raven.

Anyone with information on Ironbear’s whereabouts should contact Fort Peck Police at (406) 768-5565 or the Montana Missing Persons Clearinghouse at (406) 444-2800.

Congratulations to the 2025 Glasgow High School Homecoming Court--

King Candidates: Grady Nielsen, Wyatt Sugg, and Andrew Linder

Queen Candidates: Kimber Dulaney (Not Pictured), Tessa Miller, and Joely Chappell

The 2025 Scottie Homecoming King and Queen will be crowned next Thursday at Scottie Coronation in the GHS Auditorium.

Glasgow Kiwanis Club presents $10,000 check for Cal Ripken Baseball LED Light upgrade to Eric Feit and SaraAnn Rasmussen from a Kiwanis Foundation of Montana grant.

Glasgow Kiwanis President Brenner Flaten and Secretary Charles Wilson present the check at a recent meeting.

The Schedule has been released for the annual Glasgow Pub Crawl featuring the Saskatoon Police Pipe and Drums. The event is set for Saturday, September 27th in Glasgow.

Release from the Glasgow School District:

Tuesday was a BIG day for Glasgow Schools! This summer AgWest Farm Credit Glasgow branch purchased Myli Swindler’s 4H steer during the Northeast Montana Fair.

They donated the FULL beef back through the Producer Partnership program!! This program pays for processing and delivery to any school or local non-profit.

We are overwhelmed by the generosity and are so excited that our local students get to enjoy locally raised beef for school lunch.

We are thrilled for the future of this program and the opportunity for interested parties to make an impact in our schools and the nutritional program.

News Story:

A Montana non-profit organization is helping rural communities access fresh meat by delivering processed products directly to schools and organizations free of charge.

The Producer Partnership recently made stops in Malta, Saco, Glasgow, and other rural areas, delivering 2,895 pounds of meat at no cost to the communities.

The organization says it is the first and only federally-inspected nonprofit-operated meat processing facility in the United States.

Producer Partnership works with ranchers who provide animals, including goats, sheep, cattle and bison, while the non-profit handles the processing.

"I think it's huge to be able to help these smaller communities, especially in these rural communities where we have, you know, so many producers that are there," said Producer Partnership president and founder Matt Pierson.

"But, man, it's hard to find processing. It's hard to find the time to take them there, to pick them up, to pay for it. And for us, it's really nice to be able to sort of take care of all of those aspects from start to finish."

Since starting in 2020, The Producer Partnership has donated more than 200,000 pounds of Montana-raised protein to charities and nonprofits across the state.

Montana livestock producers can donate their animals to The Producer Partnership to be processed free of charge and then donated to schools, food banks, or other nonprofit organizations, keeping the meat in Montana.

The Montana Department of Revenue is reporting that marijuana sales totaled $166,224 for the month of August. This is an increase from $159,251 in July for Valley County.

Valley County local governments receive 3% of gross proceeds from marijuana sales.

In August, Roosevelt County had $625,068 in sales while Sheridan County had $90,865.

Montana had sales of over $30 million for the month of August and since January of 2022 sales have totaled $1.163 billion in the state.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has updated West Nile Virus information for the State of Montana.

The map shows West Nile Virus information as of September 12th.

Thousands of Montana taxpayers have already claimed and received a property tax rebate, but the Montana Department of Revenue reminded people Monday to file their applications if they haven’t done so.

The deadline to file for the rebate is Oct. 1.

The Montana Department of Revenue has received more than 197,000 rebate applications, and last week, the department said it had approved 97% of the applications filed.

The Montana property tax rebate provides qualifying Montanans a rebate of up to $400 on a primary residence for tax year 2024. The qualifications to claim the rebate are available at getmyrebate.mt.gov.

A news release from the Department of Revenue said the fastest way for taxpayers to claim the rebate is online at getmyrebate.mt.gov. Mailing a paper application form will add processing time.

Rebates are being issued via paper check. Most electronically filed rebates are issued within 30 days of filing, while paper-filed rebates may take up to 60 days to process, according to the Department of Revenue.

“Getting the rebates to Montana taxpayers has been one of our highest priorities, so we’re grateful a majority of taxpayers have already claimed their rebates,” Montana Department of Revenue Director Brendan Beatty said in a statement. “However, the October 1 deadline is fast approaching, and we don’t want taxpayers to miss this opportunity.”

The Producer Partnership has completed processing, free of charge, livestock purchased and donated by local businesses during the Valley County 4h/FFA Livestock Sale and private donations livestock sale, providing Valley County schools and nonprofit organizations with high-quality, locally raised protein at no cost.

The processed protein will be delivered to Malta School District at 11:00 am – 1 High School Lane, S. 9th Street W. 406-654-2002

Valley Event Center at 1:00 pm: 54141 US Highway 2, Glasgow, MT

Recipient organizations include:
• Glasgow School District
• Opheim School District
• Nashua School District
• Malta School District
• Hinsdale School District
• Saco School District
• Valley Community Food Bank

“We are proud to partner with the Valley County 4-H/FFA Livestock Sale and local donors to provide thousands of meals for area schools and the Valley Community Food Bank,” said Matt Pierson, Founder and President of The Producer Partnership. “Thanks to the generosity of the community and our ability to process animals free of charge at our USDA-inspected facility in Livingston, we will deliver 2,895 pounds of high-quality, locally raised protein. This effort shows the power of donors coming together to directly support children and families — and we’re eager to expand this impact in the years ahead.”

Brenner Flaten, Superintendent of Schools – Glasgow School District “This donation is truly significant for our school district,” said Brenner Flaten, Superintendent of Schools for the Glasgow School District. “Any time a school district can partner with community donors to benefit students, it’s a win. This contribution not only provides important financial relief to our school food service department but also ensures that Montana kids are receiving nutritious, locally grown and raised protein. It’s an investment in both our students’ well-being and our community.”

Founded in 2020 as a way for neighbors to help one another during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Producer Partnership is the first and only USDA federally inspected nonprofit-owned and operated meat processing facility in the United States.

Through efforts like these, Producer Partnership connects Montana ranchers, businesses, and nonprofits to reduce hunger while strengthening community ties.

Story credit to Northern Plains Independent:

On Sunday, Sept. 14, at approximately 4 a.m., the Fort Peck Tribal police officers received information from the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office that a male had confessed to shooting and killing his wife, his stepson and the stepson’s girlfriend at a residence in Poplar.

The male said that all three victims were still inside the house. The male was identified as 73-year-old Michael Littlebull, an enrolled member of the Fort Peck Tribes.
Fort Peck Tribal police officers responded to a residence in Poplar to investigate the information. After receiving no response at the residence, tribal police officers received and executed a search warrant to enter the residence. Once inside the residence, tribal police officers located 65-year-old Earlene Jones, 41-year-old Matthew Black Thunder and 35-year-old Winona Longee deceased inside the residence. All three victims appeared to have been shot at least one time at close range with a small caliber bullet. All three victims will undergo an autopsy.
Littlebull remains in custody.

The case is still under investigation by the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. No further information can be released at this time.

Governor Greg Gianforte, along with members of Montana’s federal delegation, recently sent a letter to Department of Interior Secretary Doug Burgum detailing the state’s longstanding efforts to petition the federal government to follow the laws governing grazing permits.

Nationally, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) manages livestock grazing on 155 million acres of public lands. The terms and conditions for grazing on BLM-managed lands are set forth in the permits and leases that are issued to ranchers.

Since 2017, American Prairie Reserve (APR) has sought BLM’s approval to change livestock grazing permits in Montana into permits to graze their non-production, conservation bison herd. Under the Biden Administration, BLM issued a decision to grant the requested permits on a number of BLM grazing allotments in eastern Montana.

In 2022, the State of Montana, grazing districts, and livestock industry groups all appealed BLM’s decision, noting that the land would no longer be able to be used for production agriculture if the permits are approved. In the letter, the governor and Montana’s federal delegation highlighted they are awaiting the Department of Interior’s decision on those appeals and underscore their support for Montana’s farmers and ranchers who make up the state’s number one industry.

“APR is dedicated to ‘re-wilded,’ free-roaming bison and converting Montana’s historic farms and ranches into the largest wildlife refuge in the continental United States. For us, a decision in favor of APR will re-shape the entire landscape of our state,” the officials wrote. “The effect of this change would remove immense swaths of land from production agriculture with far reaching implications and undermine the proud heritage of these small, agriculture-focused communities.”

They continue, “It also threatens the economic vitality of our most important industry, decreasing agricultural production revenue and directly impacting industries downstream that shape our overall economy. Once the damage is done, and these generational farms and ranches are gone, they cannot be brought back.”

The governor was joined by Senator Steve Daines, R-Montana, Senator Tim Sheehy, R-Montana, Congressman Ryan Zinke, and Congressman Troy Downing in signing the letter.

On September 24th, the Montana Department of Agriculture is hosting a pesticide disposal event in Glasgow. Carli Davis the program coordinator for the waste pesticide disposal program told New Media Broadcasters why the Montana Department of Agriculture hosts these events.

“So, the Department of Agriculture hosts these events to try to keep pesticides out of our Montana Landfills and give the industry and option, an easier way to get rid of them in a more environmentally friendly way.”

You must pre-register for this pesticide disposal event on September 24, you can register online at the Montana Department of Agriculture Website or by calling Carli Davis at 1-406-444-3144

The Glasgow City Council will meet in regular session tonight at 5pm in the Council Chambers of the Glasgow Civic Center.

The council will hold a public hearing on assessments for city lights, streets and garbage and an additional public hearing on the city's mill levy, permissive medical levy and fiscal year 202-2025 budget.

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce has confirmed the Saskatoon Police Pipe for Scottie Homecoming weekend!

There were questions whether the pipe band would be able to make the weekend work but at least 10 and possibly more will make it to Montana.

The schedule will look differently but the pipe band will be in Glasgow the weekend of September 26-27.

KLTZ/Mix-93 has had multiple inquiries from community members regarding a personnel change at Valley View Home in Glasgow. It has been reported that Emilee Poole, RN, was terminated from her position effective Monday, September 8th. We were able to confirm with Poole that she has been terminated from the facility. Poole had been employed as the Director of Nursing for Valley View Home, a top administrative position in the organization.

Additionally, members of the community have indicated a plan to attend the next meeting held by Valley View Home’s Board of Directors. KLTZ/Mix-93 reached out to Wes Thompson, Administrator, and asked if there was an upcoming board meeting scheduled and if the public would be invited to attend. Thompson indicated, “We have monthly board meetings of course but we do not ever hold them in public due to possible HIPAA violations when discussing our residents and so forth.”
Thompson also provided KLTZ/Mix-93 with the following statement:

Valley View Home Addresses Community Concerns Regarding Staffing Change
Glasgow, Montana — Valley View Home is aware of the concerns being expressed within the community following a recent leadership staffing change.
While specific personnel matters are confidential and cannot be discussed publicly, we want to reassure our residents, families, staff, and the greater community that this decision was made following a thorough internal review and in accordance with established policies and procedures.

We fully understand that in a close-knit community such as ours, leadership transitions can prompt concern and discussion. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of former staff and recognize the strong relationships that exist between our team and the community we serve.

Valley View Home remains firmly committed to the safety, dignity, and well-being of every resident in our care. We also deeply value the dedication of our staff and the continued trust placed in us by families and neighbors throughout the region.
As we move forward, we remain focused on stability, transparency, and delivering the highest quality of care to those who call Valley View Home their home.

For several weeks this summer, University of Montana student Iris McKean found herself sitting in the dark all night in an urban park an hour’s train ride south of Tokyo. Sporting a headlamp, she covered herself head to toe in protective clothing – including a mesh head net – to ward off bugs and huntsman spiders the size of a human palm.

She was part of a UM team studying rhinoceros beetles, a beloved insect icon in Japan. The researchers kept their lamps and video cameras trained on sappy parts of oak trees frequented by the thumb-sized beetles. They beheld the drama of big-horned males battling for the right to court females, who may or may not decide to mate with them.

McKean handled nearly every rhino beetle they studied, weighing and marking them so they could identify the specific dramatic characters featured in their research.

“They don’t bite, and they are such cool, cute creatures,” she said. “But their gripping feet are like little razor blades, and they can make tiny incisions and stick there. So I was careful to wear gloves.”

Science in a city offered peculiar challenges. Sometimes park security arrived to investigate what the strange Montanans were doing under a tree at 3 a.m. Other times little kids visiting the park with their families would snag one of their research subjects and scamper off. In Japan, rhinoceros beetles are prized as pets and often end up in terrariums.

“What could we say?” she said. “We were the strangers, and it was a public park.”

All of this reinforced to McKean that she was a long way from Glasgow, her northeastern Montana hometown. And also that UM had provided her an incredible, life-changing learning experience.

McKean is fascinated by the idea of the butterfly effect – that something as small as the flap of butterfly wings can echo through systems and eventually influence the path of a tornado. She said lots of lesser decisions on her part led to her educational adventure in Japan.

The first was her decision to attend UM. She grew up hunting and fishing – her father, Andrew, is editor of Outdoor Life Magazine – and she describes herself as “outdoorsy” and “the most curious person ever.” She found herself wanting to know more about the Montana animals and ecosystem she grew up with, so she was attracted to UM’s top-ranked Wildlife Biology program. After positive interactions with faculty members like Chad Bishop and Angela Luis, she decided to attend UM in 2022 to study wildlife biology and pre-veterinary studies.

McKean also followed in the footsteps of her older brother, Ellis McKean, who ran cross-country at UM. She too joined UM as a student-athlete, becoming a top contributor for the Grizzly women’s cross-country team.

As a sophomore, McKean took a genetics and evolution class from Doug Emlen, a UM scientist who studies animal weaponry and one of the few Montanans ever elected to the National Academy of Sciences. McKean said she “really connected with the material” and that it left her “thirsty for more.”

“After that I started going to Doug’s office hours like once a week just so I could pick his brain about all the different questions I had,” she said. “He’s a wealth of knowledge in every realm.”

By her junior year, McKean became curious about the research process such as grant writing, data collection and publishing results. So sitting at her kitchen table in Glasgow, she decided to email Emlen and ask whether he knew of any openings for an undergraduate research assistant.

“Students like Iris are a joy to work with,” Emlen said, “so I jumped at the chance to get her involved with our research.”

That little flap of a butterfly’s wing earned McKean a gig with one of Emlen’s Ph.D. students, Sophie Fitzgerald, who studies rhinoceros beetles. During fall semester 2024, McKean found herself working several hours a week in Fitzgerald’s lab, dissecting frozen female beetles, counting their eggs and studying their ability to produce offspring.

It was Fitzgerald who invited McKean along to assist with two other UM students and led the team on their journey to Japan to study rhino beetles in their natural habitat.

“Sophia has just been an incredible asset for me,” McKean said. “She’s been the most friendly and supportive person I’ve ever met, and she was so accepting of plugging me into the lab so I could help out in any capacity.”

Fitzgerald’s Japan research delved into sexual selection among rhinoceros beetles, especially why females choose to mate with certain males. McKean said past research generally focused on the males, who battle for the females by dueling with their big horns and flipping rivals off the trees. Usually the beetle with the bigger weapon wins, but this isn’t always the case.

“It seems horn size matters, but maybe not as much as we previously thought,” McKean said. “The big horn indicates fitness and health to the female, but I keep thinking about these smaller males with shorter horns, and they get flipped off and keep coming back again and again, and sometimes the female just gives in. So resilience is a big factor, too. We didn’t find that females were always choosing the male with the biggest horn.”

McKean said the male beetles make for big ungainly fliers, carrying around those massive horns.

She said the research team had cameras set up to record the beetle-battle mating drama at several sites around the park. All that data now needs to be analyzed, and the research project is ongoing.

McKean said the regular Japanese people in their study area seemed lukewarm to the research team until they learned what they were up to. Their reception improved when the team revealed they studied the well-being of their beloved rhino beetle population. The researchers heard anecdotally that fewer beetles were emerging each spring later in the season, which was creating concern.

“You could tell people definitely care,” she said. “And we are not sure what’s going on. Is it a long-term impact like climate change?”

While research was the focus of the Japan trip, McKean spent a lot of time running in the Japanese humidity to maintain her cross-country training regimen. Additionally, her mother, Lih-An Yang McKean, who was born in Taiwan, rendezvoused with her on that island to reconnect with Asian family members she hadn’t seen in more than a decade.

At one point, she and two other research team members also climbed Japan’s highest peak, Mount Fuji, which tops out at 12,388 feet.

“We didn’t do any planning and roughed it really hard,” McKean said. “I think we were awake for 30 to 34 hours. We started hiking at 3 a.m. and got to see the sunrise from the top. We saw some sika deer up there, and we sent postcards to our family from a post office near the top. The entire experience was unbelievable.”

Now launching her senior year, McKean is leaning into more of a pre-med track at UM and exploring a career as a doctor.

“UM has given me so many unique experiences and learning opportunities,” she said. “The faculty have been so supportive, my classmates have pushed me, and my team has been the light of my life. And there’s such an emphasis on experiential learning, so you can end up having the craziest, best summer ever.

“I feel so lucky to be here, definitely, and I’m excited to see what’s next.”

Iris was a guest on Live Under the Big Sky this week. Listen to the entire interview:
https://soundcloud.com/kltz-glasgow/

The final slate of candidates for the October 25th Fort Peck Tribal Elections has been set.

Chairman
Justin Gray Hawk Sr.
John Morales
Bryce Kirk
Samson E. Boyd
Floyd Azure

Vice-Chair
Charles "Charlie" Headdress

Sergeant at Arms
Bruce Cubby Damon
Derrick Long Hair

Tribal Council (elect 12)
Roxanne Gourneau
Jestin Dupree
Carolyn Brugh
Wayne Martell
Stacey Summers
Dana "Sam" Buckles
Benjamin "BJ' Johnson Jr.
Melvin Terry Rattling Thunder Sr.
Rita Weeks
Elizabeth Melbourne
Adrian Spotted Bird Jr
Thomas "Big Boy" Bauer Jr
Kristian Youngman
Patt Iron Cloud
Darryl Ricker Sr.
Vernice Chopper
Loren Bighorn
Misty Daniels
Kevin Brock
Tatum Evenson
Charles "Chug" Knowlton
Michelle Charboneau Trottier
Darren Long Hair
Dr. Robin Bighorn
Frank J. Smith
Helen Daniels Bighorn
Michael J. LIttle Bull
Melissa G. Buckles
K. Shane Moran
Cynthia Michaelsen
Leonard Bighorn Crowbelt
Mary Follette
Jason Gray Hawk
George W. Blount
Lonnie Cooper
Louella Douglas Contrares
Barry Bighorn
Ray Iron Cloud
R.J. Young
Feryl Archdale Greufe
Nicholas Bighorn
Richard "Rick" Kirn
Freedom Lyman Crawford
Michael Headdress
Georgia Gibbs Atkinson
Verds Grey Bull
Peter "Tonto" Dupree
Lafon Copenhaver
Maurice C. Bighorn Jr.
Vernette "Susie" Perry
Melvin Scott

Associate Judge
Lonnie D. Headdress Sr
Imogene Lilley
Kristofer Fourstar
Kimberly Clark Johnson

From the Glasgow School District:

The Glasgow School District would like to give a special shoutout and public recognition to Kelly Doornek! Kelly is retiring at the end of this month after 32 years with Glasgow Schools and 27+ years as our Business Manager/Clerk at Central Office. Kelly leaves big shoes to fill and she will undoubtedly be missed.

Wednesday, we honored her with a “Surprise” Retirement Party following her very last board meeting. Many friends, family, and Coworkers were on hand for a party that featured fruit pizza’s from the Apple Trolley and a special clock from Baker’s Jewelry.

Kelly thank you for your dedication, commitment, and professionalism. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement.

A Poplar man who sexual abused two victims on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges this week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Emmett Alfred Buckles, 41, pleaded guilty to 2 counts of sexual abuse of a minor. Buckles faces a term of 15 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 5 years to a lifetime of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for January 14, 2026. Buckles was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in March of 2024, Jane Doe 1 was forensically interviewed and disclosed she was sexually abused by Buckles. Doe 1 described that on January 22, 2024, she was drinking and doing drugs when Buckles contacted her via Facebook. Doe 1 was over the age of 12, but under the age of 16. Buckles was 39. Buckles then joined Doe 1 and they hung out together.

Later in the night and into early next morning Doe 1 and Buckles ended up at his house in Poplar. While there, Buckles sexually abused Doe in an assault that Doe described lasting hours. Doe described the layout of Buckles’ bedroom and various items in his room.

Law enforcement obtained Facebook messages between Jane Doe 2 and Buckles. Doe 2 was over the age of 12, but under the age of 16. Doe 2 was subsequently interviewed and described that in January 2024 she was using meth with Buckles, and he shot her up with meth. Buckles then sexually assaulted her. Doe 2 drew a sketch of Buckles’ room that described a similar layout to what Doe 1 observed.

Federal agents executed a search warrant at Buckles’ house in Poplar. During the search, law enforcement officers observed that many details regarding the layout of Buckles’ bedroom were consistent with both Jane Does’ statements. This included the layout and various items of personal property.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. The FBI and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice conducted the investigation.

Glasgow, MT – It’s time once again to show your Scottie spirit! The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture is excited to announce the return of the annual Scottie Pride Homecoming Buttons for 2025. This year brings something extra special — a brand-new button design for fans to choose from.

Whether you’re renewing or purchasing a new button, you’ll be entered into the Spirit Week Daily Cash Drawings for your chance to win big!

$10 – New Button
$5 – Renewal

Important Note: Old button designs will not be exchanged for new ones. If you’d like one of the new 2025 designs, they must be purchased at the new button price. However, if you’d like to keep your original button number, that option is available.

Spirit Week Cash Drawings

Monday–Thursday: Two drawings per day for $200 each
Friday: Two drawings for $500 each

Winners do not need to be present to win.
Buttons are available now at the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Ag Office. Stop by in person or call (406) 228-2222 to purchase or renew.

Proceeds from button sales support bringing tournaments to Glasgow and help fund the beloved bagpipers who bring spirit and tradition to town each year.

Don’t hide your Scottie Pride — pick up your button today and be part of the tradition!

WASHINGTON, DC (September 11, 2025) – As drivers settle into their fall routines, gas demand is going down, and eventually, pump prices should follow suit. The national average for a gallon of regular is down about a penny to $3.19. There remains an abundance of crude oil supply which is outweighing demand. The seasonal transition to winter-blend gasoline – which is cheaper to produce – is also beginning. While the national average has been relatively stable, drivers in the Pacific Northwest are feeling pain at the pump. Gas prices in the area have jumped more than 20 cents in the past week due to the shutdown of a major pipeline that transports fuel from Washington to Oregon. The pipeline is reportedly expected to resume operations in a few days.

Today’s National Average: $3.194

One Week Ago: $3.201

One Month Ago: $3.138

One Year Ago: $3.253

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.11 million b/d last week to 8.50 million. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 218.5 million barrels to 220 million. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose $1.04 to settle at $63.67 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories increased by 3.9 million barrels from the previous week. At 424.6 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 3% below the five-year average for this time of year.

State Stats

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.63), Washington ($4.61), Hawaii ($4.47), Oregon ($4.27), Nevada ($3.90), Alaska ($3.84), Arizona ($3.56), Idaho ($3.51), Illinois ($3.47), and Pennsylvania ($3.35).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.71), Louisiana ($2.79), Arkansas ($2.79), Texas ($2.79), Tennessee ($2.80), Oklahoma ($2.81), Alabama ($2.82), South Carolina ($2.85), Kentucky ($2.86), and Missouri ($2.87).

Release from Valley Community Emergency Food Bank:

We have big news! An anonymous local donor donated $40,000 toward our new building fund! We are speechless. Whoever you are, thank you!

The Food Bank in Valley County is raising money for a new building to replace the current building which is small and in very bad condition.

The Glasgow School Board will meet tonight at 6pm in the Gary F. Martin Board Room at the Glasgow School District Central Office.

August runoff was above average in the lower reaches of the upper Missouri River Basin above Sioux City due to timely rainfall. This allowed the System reservoirs to maintain lower release rates while meeting the reduced navigation flow targets at all downstream locations,” said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “Runoff in the Fort Peck and Fort Peck to Garrison reaches continue to be well-below average due to long-term precipitation deficits and the below-normal mountain snowpack in the Missouri Basin. Reservoir levels at Fort Peck and Garrison dropped about 1.6 feet in August, and System storage will continue to decline this fall,” Remus added.

While more than 59% of the Missouri Basin is not experiencing drought conditions; in the western Basin, drought is expected to persist and expand to new regions of the Basin through November.

August runoff was 1.5 million acre-feet, 109% of average above Sioux City with most of the runoff entering the System below Garrison Dam. September runoff in the upper Basin is forecast to be well below average, especially in the Fort Peck and Garrison reaches. The updated 2025 calendar year forecast for the upper Basin is 19.1 MAF, 74% of average. Average annual runoff for the upper Basin is 25.7 MAF.

As of Sept. 1, the total volume of water stored in the System was 51.0 MAF, down 0.7 MAF during August. Updated reservoir studies indicate System storage is expected to be 48.0 MAF the start of the 2026 runoff season, approximately 8.1 MAF below the base of flood control zone.

Fort Peck releases will be reduced from 9,000 cfs to the fall rate of 4,000 cfs at the end of September. Garrison releases were reduced to 19,000 cfs in mid-August and will be reduced to 14,000 cfs on Sept. 16.

Reservoir Forecasts:

Fort Peck Dam
Average releases past month – 8,800 cfs
Current release rate – 9,000 cfs
Forecast average release rate –9,000 cfs through the end of September
End-of-August reservoir level – 2224.4 feet (down 1.6 feet since July 31)
Forecast end-of-September reservoir level – 2222.6 feet

Hydropower:
The six mainstem power plants generated 713 million kWh of electricity in August. Typical energy generation for August is 1,005 million kWh. The power plants are projected to generate 7.7 billion kWh of electricity this year, compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh.

The Montana Lottery has awarded $2,228,182 in high-tier prizes since September 2.

A high-tier prize is any prize of $600 or more. Winners of $5,000 or more are listed below.

A Missoula winner, playing Powerball, claimed their prize of $2,000,000 on September 4. The winning ticket was purchased at Rosauers on South Reserve Street in Missoula.

A Sidney winner, playing Powerball, claimed their prize of $200,007 on September 5. The winning ticket was purchased at Winners Corner in Missoula.

A Laurel winner, playing Big Sky Bonus, claimed their prize of $7,927 on September 3. The winning ticket was purchased at Town Pump of Laurel #3 on 1st Avenue in Laurel.

A Joliet winner, playing Shake A Day, claimed their prize of $7,015 on September 3. The winning ticket was purchased at Montana Brewing Co/Hooligan's Sports Bar in Billlings.

https://dailymontanan.com/2025/09/06/american-prairie-announces-new-acquisitions-access-in-breaks/

American Prairie announced this week it has acquired the Anchor Ranch, its second-largest land purchase to date, and it has reopened access to nearly 50,000 acres of public land in “a special area of the Breaks.”

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure an important piece of ecologically and culturally significant land,” said American Prairie CEO Alison Fox in a statement. “But this acquisition is equally important as a way to return public access to the people so they can explore, hunt and recreate on land that’s been off limits for many years.”

American Prairie launched in 2001 with a mission to ensure 3.2 million acres of prairie are protected, including roughly half that are already part of the Charlie M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge and the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument.

“But it’s important to point out that the majority of that would be — is — public land,” said American Prairie public relations manager Beth Saboe.

The new land comprises the Anchor Ranch and two additional properties in Blaine County, and it puts the total acreage American Prairie manages at 600,000, according to a news release announcing the acquisitions.

Anchor Ranch is 69 miles southwest of Havre and totals 67,960 acres, including 22,837 acres of deeded land and 45,123 of leased acres, “significantly advancing the organization’s mission of prairie ecosystem conservation,” American Prairie said.

It also opens up access to land previously tied up in a legal dispute along with Bullwhacker Road, which the Public Land Water Access Association described as “the only reasonable access” to acreage in the Breaks.

But a judge found the road was private in 2011.

In 2012, the billionaire Wilks brothers, among the largest land owners in Montana, bought the ranch. It was caught up in a controversial negotiation with the Bureau of Land Management, then put on the market again in 2022, according to a timeline from Lee Enterprises.

In its announcement about the new properties, American Prairie said a 3.8 mile section of Bullwhacker Road will be open to the public, providing access to nearly 50,000 acres of public land that have been a point of dispute and embroiled in lawsuits for years.

In a statement, Fox said the organization is proud to provide more permanent access to “this special area of the Breaks.”

“While we will take some time to develop a comprehensive public access plan for this new property, the previously private stretch of Bullwhacker Road is now officially open to the public,” Fox said.

Randy Newberg, founder of Fresh Tracks and Hunt Talk media, also praised the acquisition, especially for hunters.

“This is a win for anyone who cares about public access to our shared lands,” said Newberg in a statement provided by American Prairie. “Our audience cares deeply about the Bullwhacker Allotment as it touts exceptional habitat and opportunities to hunt. It’s an area that’s both important to protect and for the public to access.”

American Prairie has been controversial in Montana.

Some farmers and ranchers have opposed its purchases of land as detrimental to agriculture and beef production. Political leaders, including Gov. Greg Gianforte and Attorney General Austin Knudsen, have opposed grazing by bison, reintroduced there in 2020 after being gone for 120 years, according to American Prairie.

But some former critics have started coming around, Saboe said. She pointed to an online forum where hunters are active, and one poster recently said they used to be on the “Save the Cowboy” side but appreciate the public access from American Prairie — and time will tell.

American Prairie broke a visitation record in 2024 for the seventh year in a row, the news release said. It saw 6,600 overnight visitors and more than 5,000 at its National Discovery Center in Lewistown.

In 2024, 56.6% of the bookings were from Montanans, but people from every state besides five — Hawaii, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Louisiana and West Virginia — were in the books, Saboe said.

One group came from Germany, many come from Washington and California, and many also visit from the Midwest, Saboe said.

Prairie land takes a long time to restore, but American Prairie sees signs of ecological hardiness, Saboe said.

The bison herd is healthy; cameras have caught images of rarely seen animals, such as badgers; and swift foxes, reintroduced on the bordering Fort Belknap Indian Community, are migrating onto American Prairie public lands, Saboe said.

Next month, American Prairie marks its 20th year of having bison, and Saboe said it’s a big milestone. She also said the animals are doing their jobs, living their lives in a way that supports other creatures.

They graze at varying levels, giving the prairie “a bad haircut,” but one that allows a large variety of birds to nest and find protection, Saboe said. She said migrating birds can spend as much as a month on a prairie stopover in the midst of their long trips.

The bison also wallow, or roll around in the dirt, and the depressions they create often fill with water and help insects, frogs and other amphibians thrive and reproduce, Saboe said. They also offer drinking water for birds.

The news release said American Prairie acquired 1,888 deeded acres adjacent to the south side of Anchor ranch. And in a third and separate transaction in the Cow Creek basin of Blaine County, the organization acquired an additional 5,401 acres.

“This property is located in the northern portion of the Breaks and extends American Prairie’s shared fenceline with the Fort Belknap Indian Community,” the news release said.

These three acquisitions bring American Prairie’s total habitat base to 603,657 acres, which comprises 167,070 deeded acres and 436,587 leased public acres.

In the news release, American Prairie said the new properties offer important wildlife habitat for elk, deer, pronghorn and upland birds, and they provide connectivity through the Monument to the CMR and north to the Bears Paw and Little Rockies ranges.

American Prairie said it intends to share a more detailed public access plan in the future to detail recreational uses on the new deeded acres, although it will first take time to familiarize itself with the land.

On both the Anchor Ranch and the 5,401-acre property with public grazing leases, the ranching families who lease the properties will remain in place, and the land will continue to be used for agricultural production, the news release said.

“We are really pleased to have the existing lessees stay on the ground where their cattle have been grazing, and we look forward to working with these ranching families,” Fox said in a statement.

The state of Montana has taken the next step in allowing technologically savvy residents to simplify their wallets — not only can you pay with a single tap, you can also verify your identity.

Montana’s Motor Vehicle Division announced on Aug. 19 it was beginning to roll out Montana Mobile IDs, allowing Montanans with iPhones, Android devices and Apple watches to securely carry a state-issued ID or driver’s license on the device. Just over a dozen other states have adopted mobile ID technology.

Columbia Falls Rep. Braxton Mitchell, one of the legislature’s youngest representatives, sponsored House Bill 519 in 2023 to authorize the use of digital driver’s licenses for drivers, to begin Sept. 1, 2025.

“As a Gen Z lawmaker, I sponsored this bill to give Montanans the option to add their driver’s license to their digital wallet. Digital IDs are extremely secure, encrypted, and harder to fake than a traditional plastic ID,” Mitchell said in a statement. “This is a commonsense step to modernize services by adding IDs to the same place where you can already store your credit cards, insurance cards, flight tickets, and concert tickets, making life more convenient for those who choose to use it.”

Mitchell further bolstered the program during the most recent session with legislation that allows businesses to use digital IDs to verify an individual’s age for restricted sales such as alcohol and tobacco, or in gambling establishments. The new law also clarified that businesses cannot store data from an ID, or sell or transfer it to a third party.

Mitchell told the Daily Montanan in a phone interview that while it’s taken two years for the MVD to get the program up and running, the uptake has been quick, and he’s heard positive feedback from constituents.

“The first couple of days, they told me they had about 500 people enrolled, and I know they’re into the thousands now, if not the tens of thousands,” Mitchell said on Thursday. “It seems like it’s been a pretty good response without much media outreach about it.”

Representatives from MVD did not respond to requests for comment on the rollout or how many Montanans had verified their digital ID.

“We have spent the last three years modernizing MVD and improving operating efficiencies and customer service,” MVD Administrator Laurie Bakri said in a press release. “Now that we have overhauled the basics, we are excited to embark on an era of innovation, starting with Montana Mobile IDs and the Montana Mobile ID Verifier for Android and iOS mobile devices.”

Using the digital ID allows Montanans to provide age verification to participating businesses without sharing additional information such as names or addresses. They can also be used for online verification.

While the process is in place for any individual to add a mobile ID to their mobile wallets, the uptake on the business side might take more time before becoming widespread.

The state also launched its own verification app as a tool for businesses to accept mobile IDs and verify an individual’s age as 18+ or 21+, but there isn’t a requirement for businesses to utilize it.

“The division has guided the alcohol and cannabis industries through our website, in-person meetings over the past few months, and direct push notifications to those who have signed up to receive updates from the department,” Cannabis & Alcohol Regulation Division Administrator Kristan Barbour told the Daily Montanan.

Barbour said in the first few days of the roll out, the division had not received any feedback from businesses about the program.

Establishments that sell age-restricted items, such as alcohol, can use the Montana Mobile ID Verifier app, or other approved electronic readers, but the decision to accept mobile IDs is on a business-by-business basis, so Montanans might not be able to use them at their local brewery or grocery store yet.

The Montana Gambling Control Division also endorsed the state’s companion verification app for any gambling establishments.

“It’s secure and easy to use, which will make it a great addition to the services establishments already offer their customers,” Gambling Control Division Administrator Alex Sterhan said in a press release.

The Motor Vehicle Division said that Montanans should still carry a hard-copy of their ID or driver’s license with them for verification purposes, as adoption of the technology continues growing.

The Montana Highway Patrol anticipates having the ability to verify mobile IDs before the end of the year, according to a press release, but representatives with MHP did not respond to questions from the Daily Montanan about a timeline for adoption.

Mitchell said he and other colleagues in the Legislature who focus on digital privacy have continued to look at how to ensure Montanan’s are secure when using this new technology.

One additional bill passed in 2025, Senate Bill 124, sponsored by Sen. Ken Bogner, R-Miles City, clarifies that if an individual hands a law enforcement officer their phone as their identification, that does not mean they consent to having their device searched.

Bogner said in a press statement that digital IDs are a great tool for individuals worried about losing their physical ID.

“If you are worried about losing your license or having it stolen and winding up in the wrong hands, this is for you,” Bogner said. “This gives Montanans the option to securely carry their encrypted ID on their devices, protecting personal information and limiting data exposure through lost or stolen physical credentials.”

As mobile IDs become more widespread nationwide, the federal government is also transitioning various agencies to be able to utilize the technology.

The TSA has announced it accepts digital IDs issued from 16 states and Puerto Rico, including Montana Mobile IDs in a Google or Apple wallet.

In Montana, mobile IDs can be used at the state’s largest airports — Billings, Bozeman, Glacier Park, Great Falls, Helena, and Missoula — but TSA states all passengers should also carry an acceptable physical ID.

Mitchell told the Daily Montanan that over the last week, he’s heard from businesses and individuals across the state curious how the program will work, but that “the vast majority is very excited about it.”

“You can’t fake this ID. You can’t use a screen shot. It’s a live, encoded verification process,” Mitchell said, pointing out that it could be particularly beneficial in college towns to verify the ages of younger adults.

He added that he expects Montana to continue to be a leader on modernizing its code and integrating new technology.

“We’re one of the first states to do the whole process of rolling this out,” Mitchell said. “I think we’re definitely going to set the tone for other states to follow.”

Powerball players in Missouri and Texas won the estimated $1.8 billion jackpot on Saturday, overcoming astronomical odds to end the lottery game’s three-month drought without a big winner.

The winning numbers were 11, 23, 44, 61, and 62, with the Powerball number being 17.

The winning ticket in Texas was sold at a gas station-convenience store in Fredericksburg, according to the Texas Lottery.

The prize, which was the second-largest U.S. lottery jackpot in history, followed 41 consecutive drawings in which no one matched all six numbers. The last drawing with a jackpot winner happened May 31.

Powerball’s terrible odds of 1 in 292.2 million are designed to generate big jackpots, with prizes growing as they roll over when no one wins. Lottery officials note that the odds are far better for the game’s many smaller prizes. There are three drawings each week.

The estimated $1.8 billion jackpot would go to a winner who opts to receive 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity. Winners almost always choose the game’s cash option, which for Saturday night’s drawing would be an estimated $826.4 million.

Two Rivers Economic Growth is excited to announce a new partnership with the Montana Department of Commerce through the Opportunities in Rural Economies Loan Participation Program (ORE LPP). This state-funded revolving loan program helps sustain and grow rural businesses by working alongside local lenders and economic development organizations.

Through ORE LPP, Two Rivers will help rural entrepreneurs and community projects close financing gaps for initiatives like facility expansions, equipment purchases, childcare creation, and rural infrastructure improvements. The program shares the risk with lenders, making it easier for impactful projects to move forward in Valley County and beyond.

This is not a grant program—loans are made through participating banks or credit unions, with repayment required under standard terms—but it provides a unique opportunity to strengthen our local economy, create jobs, and build stronger rural communities.

For more information contact Two Rivers Economic Growth In Glasgow.

Story credit to Billings Gazette:

A Saint Marie man died Wednesday when a semi-truck collided with the sedan in which he was riding.

The crash occurred at an intersection east of Glasgow, according to a statement from Montana Highway Patrol, and resulted in one other man being hospitalized. Although overall fatalities are down this year when compared to 2024, last month was exceptionally deadly for Montana drivers.

On Wednesday afternoon, the 20-year-old Saint Marie man was a passenger in a Pontiac sedan. At the wheel was an 18-year-old man from Glasgow. The two were traveling south on Montana Highway 24. When they reached the intersection at U.S. Route 2, according to MHP, the driver failed to yield to traffic.

The Pontiac rolled into the path of an eastbound semi-truck, which struck the sedan on its passenger side. Emergency crews brought the passenger and driver of the Pontiac to a Glasgow hospital, where the Saint Marie man died of his injures. The Glasgow man is expected to recover, according to MHP. The driver of the semi-truck, a Wolf Point man in his 60s, was not injured in the crash.

Although the crash remains under investigation, speeding and intoxication were not suspected to have been factors. It is currently unknown whether the Saint Marie man was wearing a seat belt at the time of the wreck.

Wednesday’s fatal crash was at least the second in Montana this month. August ended with at least 18 fatal crashes across the state, with 20 people killed. In a two-week period last month, 11 people died, according to reporting from Lee Montana Newspapers, including four people who were in a sedan south of Ronan that collided with an RV.

As of the end of August, there were 120 fatalities on Montana’s roads this year, according to a preliminary count from MHP. Over half of those deaths have been attributed to drunk driving.

Valley County has confirmed its first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) this season. This case is non-neuroinvasive, meaning it is a milder form of the illness.

Message from Valley Community Emergency Food Bank:

We are so grateful for the support of our community! We received a $5000 donation from the Cottonwood Inn & Suites for our new building. How generous is that? Thank you so much, we are blown away!

It’s that time of the year. The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is again matching funds raised in September and October up to $5000. Donations can be sent to PO Box 63 Glasgow MT 59230. Thank you for your support!

It has been since May 31 that anyone has hit all six numbers in the multistate Powerball lottery, causing the jackpot to grow with each drawing.

On Wednesday, the streak of drawings without a winner grew to 41, as no one matched the five white balls and one Powerball. The jackpot was worth almost $1.4 billion. Without a winner, Saturday's jackpot will be even larger, making it the biggest jackpot for a Powerball drawing in 2025 and the third-largest in the lottery's history.

Saturday's $1.7 billion jackpot marks the highest for any multistate lottery this year. If someone wins the jackpot, they have the option of choosing the $1.7 billion payment spread over 29 years, or a lump sum worth about $770.3 million before tax.

The last time the Powerball jackpot exceeded $1.7 billion was on Oct. 11, 2023.

Although Wednesday's drawing did not result in a jackpot winner, 15 players won at least $1 million by matching all five white ball numbers.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services and Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Montana submitted a proposal wavier to strengthen the Medicaid expansion program across the state.

Officials say the waiver seeks to require community engagement and enhanced cost-sharing for working-age, able-bodied adults enrolled in the program.

The Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership Demonstration waiver will require active participation like paying premiums, contribution to communities with work, job training, education, or community service that enhance employability.

In May of 2025 there were 76,547 Montana adults enrolled in the Medicaid Expansion program. In Valley County, there were 428 adults enrolled in the program.

The HELP waiver was first proposed in July and held two public meetings to collect public comments.

Officials say the state is wanting a five-year approval of this waiver and plans to implement it upon securing deferral approval.

A District Court Jury in Glasgow found Autumn Underwood guilty of the charge of felony theft at the conclusion of a trial August 29th.

Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen had charged Underwood with felony theft as the result of an investigation that found Underwood, while employed at Albertsons in Glasgow, had converted cash money to her own benefit in an aggregate amount of $26,762.

After the jury found Underwood guilty, Judge Yvonne Laird ordered a pre-sentence investigation by the Montana Department of Corrections.

Sentencing has been set for October 20th in Glasgow. The maximum sentence for theft of property is 10 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.

Great Falls, MT – The Montana Grain Growers Association (MGGA) is deeply concerned about the new Canadian import regulations that took effect mid-August. These regulations impose significant restrictions on importing agricultural equipment from Canada, creating challenges for many Montana farmers.

A key issue is the requirement for a detailed breakdown of the steel content in both new and used equipment, including precise percentages and specifics about smelting processes. This information is often impossible to obtain, especially for used equipment. The added burden of a 50% tariff complicates matters further, making it financially unfeasible for farmers already operating at a loss to acquire essential parts for timely harvesting and seeding.

As harvest season progresses, many farmers find themselves unable to access costly equipment they purchased from Canada. Some, having acquired equipment before the regulations were enacted, cannot provide the required smelting details at the border, effectively halting their operations. This ruling disrupts the flow of vital agricultural equipment from Canada, significantly impacting farmers in the Northern Plains who depend on Canadian resources due to similar growing conditions.

The implications are national, as domestic dealers may soon exhaust their supply of parts, facing the same challenges as Northwest farmers. Timely delivery of replacement parts and new equipment is critical for successful harvest and planting, and this ruling threatens to undermine the viability of family farms.

Klayton Lohr, President of MGGA, commented, "The Montana Grain Growers Association urges a reevaluation of the new Canadian import regulations that jeopardize the livelihoods of our farmers. Our members inability to access essential agricultural equipment not only threatens our operations but also undermines the very essence of family farms that feed our nation. We support the intent to promote American-made products, but it's critical that farmers are not penalized for seeking the tools necessary for their success. Together, we can find solutions that uphold both our agricultural heritage and the administration’s goals."

While we understand and support our presidential administration's intent to promote American-made products, these new regulations should not be implemented without providing farmers with viable alternatives for purchasing equipment domestically, especially during critical harvest and planting seasons. American farmers should not be penalized for lacking the choice of where to acquire the necessary equipment to produce food for our citizens.

President Trump campaigned heavily on supporting American farmers, particularly small family farms. Therefore, the Montana Grain Growers Association urges a swift reevaluation of these regulations and a declaration of exemption for all agricultural purposes moving forward. We are confident that we can achieve the administration's goals while ensuring that family farms remain viable. We look forward to collaborating on this important issue.

Palmer amaranth, a weed agricultural interests are desperately trying to prevent becoming established in Montana, was found last month near a grain silo in Hill County.

Agricultural groups, including those working at Montana State University Extension, have been closely tracking the weed, which is notably resistant to herbicides. There have been four reported confirmed instances of Palmer amaranth in Montana, though researchers say there isn’t a known established distribution in the state. The site is being monitored by the MSU Extension office.

The weed, while native to North America, doesn’t have a foothold in Montana. It spreads quickly and can choke out crops — it can decrease crop yields by 80 to 90% if left unchecked, according to a report in the New York Times. If it becomes established, the potential economic impact could be severe, according to MSU Extension’s agricultural department.

Herbicide resistant weeds are a “huge” issue in Montana, said Tim Seipel, a Cropland Weed Specialist with MSU Extension. Palmer amaranth is a pigweed with long, thin flower heads when compared to its more common relatives, such as redroot pigweed.

“If it really spreads out in crop fields in Montana, especially in our pulse crop industry and pulse fields — so lentils, chickpeas, beets — it would cost us millions of dollars, probably in additional herbicide input costs,” Seipel said. “So that’s why we’re trying to really be on top of it and keep it contained.”

One peer-reviewed study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found Palmer amaranth resistant to six different herbicide brands. The plant has found ways to adapt to human-created herbicides and is essentially outpacing science. It’s hard to kill — plants pulled out of the ground have been known to reestablish themselves and the plant itself can grow three inches in a day.

“When you have a species like Palmer Amaranth that has evolved resistance to many of our known herbicide modes of action, the way the herbicide kills the plant, what it does to the plant, you begin to have to stack modes of action on top of each other,” Seipel said. “You have to choose modes of action that may be still under patent. There’s no generic, you’re buying more complex tank mixes.”

What this means for farmers, Seipel said, is higher costs for weed control and lower prices for their products. Crops harvested in fields containing many green weeds also are stained by them, which means lower prices when farmers sell.

“You take it to the elevator and you sell it, you get docked economically for stained lentils,” Seipel said. “So you don’t get paid.”

Precipitation this summer, described as “abundant” in a press release discussing the weed, could be to blame for the plant taking root. Sepiel said the Palmer amaranth was found in a field following harvesting from what’s called a “custom cutter” or a company that follows ripening wheat through multiple states, harvesting it for producers.

Palmer amaranth is native to the American southwest and began seriously competing with cotton in the 1990s. It’s since moved to the Midwest and Mid-south.

The weed is not the only troublesome one in Montana. The MSU Extension Office also lists Kochia scoparia, a broadleaf weed, as a major threat to Montana as well because of how difficult to control it is.

These weeds can move via harvesters, trains – even birdseed, Seipel said. Recently, Palmer amaranth was found in Spokane County (Washington). It was tracked back to contaminated birdseed bought at a Safeway.

The first recorded palmer amaranth sighting in Montana? Also traced back to bird feed.

“Bird feed, kind of dirty stuff,” Spiel noted. “Has lots of weeds in it.”

The Extension office asked anyone who sees Palmer amaranth to contact them immediately. Much like invasive species work, quick responses can tamp down an issue before it spreads.

“Everyone’s heads are up and they’re looking for it. We found three plants so far, and none of them have made seed in the field so far,” Seipel said. “We’ve gotten them out early enough because they’re not quite adapted to Montana’s conditions yet. So the more we do that, the more we can keep it under wraps.”

A closed low pressure system will drop a cold front into Montana today and the northerly flow will keep Canadian smoke over the area through at least Wednesday.

The Montana DEQ air quality monitoring station in Glasgow is reporting unhealthy air in Glasgow as of 5am this morning. This means if outdoors, keep activities light and short in duration. Health effects on sensitive populations can be serious.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks biologists are looking to hunters and other recreationists to report bighorn sheep seen in sheep hunting district (HD) 622.

Sheep HD 622 is located on the north side of the Missouri River Breaks in northeast Montana in southern Valley and Phillips counties and includes portions of deer and elk HD 622 and portions of 630.

Although Department staff are trying to learn more, test results from two rams in hunting district 622 tested positive for a microorganism that can cause pneumonia.

FWP biologists are seeking the public’s help to get a better sense of what sheep are left in the 622 area. If you see a sheep, make a note of the geographic area and ideally get a GPS point of the exact location. Folks can report sheep sightings to Glasgow-area biologist Aaron O’Harra at 406-808-7080 or Malta-area biologist Jake Barnes at 406-417-1270

The Glasgow City Council will meet tonight at 5pm in the Council Chambers in the Glasgow Civic Center.

The council will vote on approving tax assessments for the 2025-2026 tax year.

After there was no billion-dollar Labor Day Powerball winner on Monday, jackpot dreams are still alive as the prize money swells to a staggering $1.30 billion.

The next drawing will be on Wednesday night, with the jackpot having an estimated cash value of $589.0 million before taxes.

The winning numbers in Monday's drawing were 8, 23, 25, 40 and 53 with a red Powerball of 5. Nationwide, ten tickets matched all five white balls to win $1 million prizes. The $1 million-winning tickets were sold in California, Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey (2), New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, according to Powerball.

Wednesday’s jackpot ranks as the fifth largest in the Powerball game and the ninth largest among U.S. lottery jackpot games.

Monday's drawing marked the 40th attempt to find a jackpot winner since May 31, 2025. The current streak approaches the record of 42 consecutive drawings, which ended with a $1.326 billion winner in Oregon on April 6, 2024.

Winners can choose between annual payments over 30 years, with a 5% increase each year, or the immediate cash option.

Powerball's history includes record-breaking prizes, with the largest being a $2.04 billion jackpot won in California in November 2022, followed by a $1.765 billion prize claimed in California in October 2023, and a $1.586 billion jackpot split among winners in California, Florida and Tennessee in January 2016.

Other notable wins include the $1.326 billion Oregon prize, the $1.08 billion California win in July 2023, and prizes ranging from $842.4 million to $754.6 million won across Michigan, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and Washington.

The Institute for Tourism and Recreation and Research is reporting over $5 billion was spent by nonresidents in Montana in 2024.

The largest expenditure by nonresidents traveling in and through Montana was gasoline and diesel. $1.2 billion was spent statewide on fuel by nonresidents while $909 million was spent at bars and restaurants and $837 million at hotels.

In Valley County, $86.5 million was spent in Valley County by nonresidents. This includes $25 million in gasoline and diesel, $15.8 million in restaurant and bars and $13.4 million in hotels.

Nonresident visitors spent the most money in Gallatin County with $887 million spent in the gateway to Yellowstone National Park. Flathead County had $850 million spent on the doorstep of Glacier National Park.

ITRR prepares these estimates through data collected via in-person interviews with travelers, as well as data from secondary sources.

The US Army Corps of Engineers Fort Peck Interpretive Center will be open Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Aug 30 and 31, from 9:00a-4:00p.

Powerhouse tours:
Aug 30, Saturday every hour starting at 9:30, 10:30, 11:30, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, 3:30
Aug 31, Sunday tours will run 9:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30.

Register for tours at the Interpretive Center the day of the tour.
Participants 18 and older must have a REAL ID or passport or similar compliant ID.
Pacemakers are not allowed on the tour.
You must have a vehicle to follow the tour guide over to the powerhouse compound.
There are about 65 stairs.

In addition, the Interpretive Center will be open Saturdays through September 9:00a to 4:00p, with powerhouse tours offered at 9:30, 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30.

Fort Peck Fine Arts Council News Release:

We are thrilled to announce our new Artistic Director: Shelby Art-Koljonen!

Shelby brings her talent, vision, and creative energy to the role starting September 2nd, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome her to the team. Stay tuned for the amazing things ahead!

Shelby Art-Koljonen is thrilled to be returning to Fort Peck Summer Theatre in 2026 as the Artistic Director! Shelby has enjoyed a diversified theater career taking on roles as a director, performer, stage manager, marketing assistant, and production manager and looks forward to bringing all of those skills to the table in her new role with FPST. Shelby began her theater career at a young age - performing in community theater from the age of 9 and diving into directing full community musicals at age 15. Shelby graduated summa cum laude from California State University, Fresno as a Dean's Medalist with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Acting and she has been lucky enough to work in the theater industry nearly every day since. After graduating college, Shelby worked with Missoula Children's Theater where she adored touring and then working in the home office in Missoula, Montana. Shelby then ventured to Boston where she got married (to a FPST alum) and worked as a stage manager, director and production manager at Brandeis University. She now resides in Washington, DC and is looking forward to being in Montana for Summer 2026!

Shelby is grateful to the wonderful Andy Meyers who introduced her to the Jewel of the Prairie, Fort Peck Summer Theatre back in 2018. Since that first introduction, Shelby has been involved with FPST whenever possible - wearing hats as a director, stage manager, performer, props designer, camp teacher - some of her favorite productions include Dames At Sea, Forever Plaid, Bridges of Madison County, Wait Until Dark, Bonnie & Clyde and Cinderella. Shelby is so honored to be a part of the Fort Peck legacy and looks forward to helping it thrive as a cultural cornerstone of Montana. She can't wait to bring the community a 2026 season filled with heart, humor and humanity.

On the early morning hours of Monday, August 25th, 2025, a report of an individual on a 4-wheeler that drove by others in front of a residence on the south side housing area of Wolf Point was received. The driver of the 4-wheeler shot at the others, injuring one of the individuals. The victim was taken to the Wolf Point Hospital and was subsequently flown to another care facility in the state. Law enforcement officials were notified and an investigation began and is currently in progress.

The individual on the 4-wheeler left the incident immediately after the shooting. Law enforcement arrived and recovered and collected evidence at the scene.

DANTE ROYAL MARTELL is being sought and is considered a person of interest. Any information on his whereabouts is requested and appreciated. Any caller(s) can remain anonymous.
Please contact the Roosevelt County Dispatch Center at 911 or on their non-emergent number (406) 653-6240, thank you.

Students at Glasgow High School now have a more comfortable and inviting place to gather, thanks to the addition of four new outdoor, weather-resistant benches provided by the Glasgow High School Trust Fund.

The new benches replace older wooden seating that had deteriorated over time. The wooden benches could no longer hold paint, with flaking surfaces that discouraged use. The updated benches not only offer a more comfortable option but also enhance the school's appearance.

"These benches provide a great spot for students to enjoy their free time outside or wait comfortably for their ride or bus after school," said Principal Brett Huntsman. "We're grateful to the GHS Trust Fund for supporting improvements that directly benefit our students."

The Glasgow High School community expresses sincere appreciation for the Trust Fund's continued commitment to enhancing student life and the school environment.

About the Glasgow High School Trust Fund

The Glasgow High School Trust Fund supports projects and initiatives that enrich the educational experience for students, funding everything from facility improvements to academic and extracurricular opportunities.

Domestic availability of red meat, poultry and eggs is projected to increase in 2025, driven by gains in chicken and pork availability, and is expected to rise further in 2026, reports the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS). This increase stems from USDA’s forecast of per capita supply available for use on the domestic market.

How are these numbers determined? ERS says availability, also known as disappearance, serves as a proxy for consumption and includes fresh and processed meat and eggs sold through grocery stores and used in restaurants.

“The latest USDA data indicate 226 lb. of red meat and poultry and about 22 dozen eggs are available per U.S. consumer in 2025. By 2026, per capita availability is forecast to increase to 227 lb. for red meat and poultry and to 23 dozen eggs,” ERS reports.

Chicken Projected to Be Most Consumed Animal Product
For chicken, per capita availability of broiler meat has been growing for many years and is projected to reach 102.7 lb. in 2025 and 102.8 lb. in 2026, ERS says. This will make it the most consumed animal product in the U.S.

However, availability of turkey has been falling in recent years and is projected to reach a low of 13.0 lb.per person in 2025 but increase to 13.6 lb. in 2026.

Per capita table egg availability for 2025 is projected at 21.5 dozen and is projected to increase to 22.9 dozen per person in 2026.

Pork and Beef Projections
ERS reports that pork availability per capita is projected at 49.7 lb. in 2025 and 50.9 lb. in 2026, up from 49.9 lb. in 2024.

Meanwhile, per capita beef availability for 2025 is projected to be slightly lower than 2024 at 58.5 lb., but is projected to decrease further to 56.9 lb. per person in 2026.

Over the past year, the price of beef has been steadily increasing, leaving consumers in sticker shock at checkout.

Ahead of Labor Day weekend, when many Americans may plan to fire up the grill for a final summer gathering with burgers or steaks, the cost of the red meat proteins may mean a menu reset for the holiday weekend.

According to the latest Consumer Price Index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, ground beef prices rose 11.5% and beef steak prices rose 12% compared to this time last year.

The meats, poultry, fish, and eggs category was up 0.2% last month, according to CPI data, with a 1.5% increase in the beef and veal index specifically.

Prices climbed less than expected in July, despite Trump's tariffs

In June, beef prices hit a record $9.26 per pound, according to the USDA.

Agricultural economists have pointed to several reasons for the rising costs.

Dr. Michael Swanson, chief agriculture economist for the Wells Fargo Agri-Food Institute, explained that beef -- from how it's produced, distributed, sold and consumed -- is "fragmented and complex," which makes pricing recovery slower and more unpredictable.

Some of the factors he cited as potentially fueling the surge in prices included lingering droughts that shrank cattle herds and will take years to rebuild.

Additionally, an influx of screwworm outbreaks in beef cattle prompted the government to halt imports from Mexico, according to the USDA.

Swanson also said that misconceptions around tariffs that can get baked into overall food costs could also be at play.

Despite the challenges facing people who buy and consume beef, the U.S. continues to attract enough imports to stabilize its beef supply.

Luke Strommen was re-sentenced in District Court Monday, August 25th. Presiding over the sentencing hearing was Ravalli County District Judge Jennifer Lint. Representing the State Attorney’s Office was Meghann Paddock, and for the defense was Casey Moore and Annie DeWolf of the Public Defender’s Office.

At the close of a five-day trial in Glasgow in 2020, the jury returned a guilty verdict on the charge of sexual intercourse without consent and Strommen was sentenced to 40 years in prison. Strommen later appealed the conviction to the Montana Supreme Court.

In a split 4-to-2 decision, the Montana Supreme Court, in a April 2024 decision, said that because Luke Strommen was denied the right to cross-examine a witness face-to-face, a move that violated his state and federal constitutional rights, the case should head back to District Court Judge John W. Larson on the charge of sexual intercourse with a minor without consent.

The State of Montana chose to not take the case back to trial and entered into a plea agreement with Strommen.

During the hearing in Glasgow, Judge Lint heard arguments from the state and the defense, with the state requesting a 15-year prison term – suspended - without the possibility of early release. Strommen would receive credit for time already served. The defense argued for a lesser sentence of 10 years – suspended - also with credit for time already served. The defense did also request a revision of conditions that would allow Strommen to continue bow-hunting.

The victim appeared via Zoom and shared a powerful impact statement. She directed most of her remarks to Strommen, at one point stating, “Still today, I’m not as grown as you were when you abused me,” and “I’m deeply sorry I ever met you.”

When given the opportunity to address the court, Strommen expressed regret for his actions and assured the judge that he takes full responsibility for what he did, stating, “I am dedicated to living the rest of my life with accountability, growth and responsibility.”

Prior to announcing her sentence, Judge Lint addressed the victim, stating, “You are an incredible, brave, strong human being,” and she thanked members of the community that were in attendance.
Her remarks to Strommen included an admonishment: “Without this plea agreement, you would absolutely be going to prison. You richly deserve some punishment.”

At the conclusion of the hearing, Judge Lint announced a 15-year prison term, all suspended, with credit for three years and 315 days already spent in custody, and no opportunity for early release. He will also be designated a Level 1 Sexual Offender. She also denied Strommen his request to continue bow-hunting.

North Dakota's oil and gas production rebounded for the month of June.

Oil production went up three and a half percent compared to May, staying in the 1.1 million barrel per day range.

Gas production saw nearly a one-and-a-half percent increase, extracting more than 3.4 billion cubic feet of gas per day.

Officials said they project slight increases heading into the summer months.

“We do know in May and June, certain operators had because of the low environment curtailed some production in the state. DMR believes that curtailed production is coming back online,” said Nathan Anderson, Department of Mineral Resources Director.

Pipeline Authority Director Justin Kringstad said the long-term oil market looks bearish.

The Energy Information Administration said the price for WTI crude may drop below the 60s as supply outweighs demand.

The Fort Peck Tribal election will be held October 25th. The last day to file for office with the Fort Peck Tribes is September 10th.

As gas prices keep falling this summer, the big question is how low will they go? This past week, the national average for a gallon of regular fell three cents to $3.13. You’d have to go back to 2020 for a lower national average on August 21 – that day the price was $2.18. With gas prices for this day the lowest they’ve been in 5 years, some are wondering if the national average will go below $3 a gallon in the coming weeks. There are too many variables to make a prediction; the oil market is too volatile. But if crude oil prices remain low and barring any major geopolitical events or tropical storms hitting the Gulf Coast, it’s safe to say drivers could continue to see cheaper prices at the pump as summer winds down.

Today, the national average price is $3.16 per gallon. In Montana, the average price is $3.23 per gallon and in Valley County the average price is $3.10 per gallon according to AAA. In eastern Montana you can find gasoline below $3.00 per gallon in several counties.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9 million b/d last week to 8.84 million. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 226.3 million barrels to 223.6. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of last week's formal trading session, WTI rose 86 cents to settle at $63.21 a barrel. The EIA reports crude oil inventories decreased by 6 million barrels from the previous week. At 420.7 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.49), Hawaii ($4.46), Washington ($4.39), Oregon ($3.97), Alaska ($3.76), Nevada ($3.73), Idaho ($3.50), Illinois ($3.39), Utah ($3.32), and Arizona ($3.30).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.70), Louisiana ($2.72), Texas ($2.74), Alabama ($2.75), Tennessee ($2.77), Arkansas ($2.80), South Carolina ($2.81), Kansas ($2.83), and Missouri ($2.83).

This summer, the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) partnered with Montana State University’s Science Math Resource Center to host its first-ever Geospatial & Mapping Camp in Malta. The free, five-day program, held June 9–13, introduced high school students to tools and technologies like mapping software, drones, GPS, and satellite imagery that are increasingly important in agriculture, conservation, and land management.

Funded through the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, the camp combined classroom learning with daily field trips across Phillips County. Students toured rotational grazing systems, mapped drought conditions on rangelands, explored historical landscapes, and connected their findings to the real-world work of ranchers, conservationists, and wildlife specialists.

Each day, students met with professionals in the geospatial field, including MSU geography professor Dr. Beth Nelson, GIS consultant and Blackfeet Tribal member Kendal Edmo, and USGS remote sensing scientist Matthew Rigge. They learned how data collection and mapping can be used to monitor land health, predict challenges like grasshopper outbreaks, and plan for sustainable use of working lands. These are skills that can support the future of both agriculture and rural communities.
The week ended with student-led mapping projects, from exploring habitat in relation to prairie dog towns to comparing bird nesting sites in landscapes with varying human impact. Both projects were presented to local community members, with one later shared at Montana State University’s GIS Day in Bozeman.

While recruitment proved challenging in this first year, RSA sees the experience as a launching pad. “This camp showed us the power of combining STEM with place-based education,” said RSA Mapping Specialist Maida Knapton. “Even with a small group, the growth we saw was incredible. We’re already exploring ways to bring this curriculum to local students so more can engage with these tools and ideas.”

For RSA, the camp is part of a broader commitment to stewarding ranchers, communities, and the land. By equipping the next generation with technical skills and a deeper understanding of how agriculture and conservation intersect, RSA is investing in the people who will one day work alongside ranchers, and in some cases become ranchers themselves, to keep Montana’s working landscapes healthy, productive, and resilient.

About the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA): Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led nonprofit dedicated to keeping ranchers ranching. For more than 20 years, we’ve provided virtual and in-person education, invested in on-the-ground infrastructure with the help of strong partners, and advanced community-led conservation. From succession planning to creative land access, RSA is creating real pathways for the next generation to carry ranching forward.

Boaters should use caution at Bone Trail Recreation Area on Fort Peck Lake. Launching/loading is not possible at regular ramp due to low water levels. Gravel approach to low water ramp may be soft.

Launch at your own risk. Current lake elevation is 2224’. Fourchette and Devils Creek are accessible.

Daniels Memorial Healthcare Center (DMHC) announced the formal launch of a capital campaign to help fund a $35 million replacement hospital and healthcare center for Scobey and the surrounding region. The announcement was made during the Daniels Memorial Healthcare Foundation’s annual golf tournament on August 8th, officially kicking off a $4.5 million private fundraising effort to be completed within the next year.

With more than $2.6 million already pledged, the campaign is off to a strong start. The project received a significant boost with the USDA’s issuance of a Letter of Conditions, giving DMHC the green light to move forward on plans for a modern, purpose-built healthcare facility designed to serve Daniels County and Northeast Montana for decades to come.

A Modern Hospital for a Rural Community

The current hospital, built in 1952, is among the oldest in Montana and no longer meets the standards needed for today’s healthcare delivery. Serving over 1,800 patients annually, DMHC provides critical access to emergency, long-term, and routine medical care for the region. The new 43,700-square-foot, single-level facility will bring expanded services, improved accessibility, and state-of-the-art medical infrastructure, including:

• Updated long-term care wing and centralized nursing station

• Larger, modern clinic space and expanded rehabilitation facilities

• On-site lab testing and dedicated space for visiting specialists

• Patient rooms with in-room oxygen access

• Heated, covered ambulance bay and enhanced emergency department capacity

Community Support Essential to Success

While the USDA loan will fund the majority of the project cost, the $4.5 million private campaign is critical to ensuring the new hospital is fully equipped to meet the community’s needs. Donations of all sizes are encouraged, with popular pledge options ranging from $500/year to $5,000/year over five years.

The Glasgow Police Department is seeking information about vandalism that occurred on Wednesday, August 20, 2025. At approximately 7:30 p.m., a white pickup with a male driver hooked a chain to a motorcycle on 4th Street South.

The driver then pulled the tipped-over motorcycle down Mahon Street for approximately two blocks. The chain eventually broke as the motorcycle struck a garbage can on Ohlson Street. The driver then fled the scene, leaving the motorcycle and garbage can in the middle of the roadway.

The incident appears to be targeted at a specific person, and there does not appear to be a danger or threat to other community members or their property. If you have any information regarding this incident, please call Dispatch at 406-228-4333 or the Glasgow Police Department at 406-228-8050.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate remained at 2.8% in July, marking the tenth straight month under 3% and over four consecutive years of unemployment at or below 3.4%, a new record.

“For another consecutive month, Montana ranks in the top five states in the nation with the lowest unemployment rates – a testament to our historic job growth over the last four years,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to welcome historic business investment to the Treasure State and innovate through workforce development initiatives like 406 JOBS for Montanans to seek meaningful employment.”

Montana’s unemployment rate was 1.4% lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 4.2% in July. Montana ranked in the top five states in the nation with the lowest unemployment rates.

The unemployment rate in Valley County for July was 2.4% with total employment at 3,741. Roosevelt County was at 4.4% and in Phillips County 3%.

Total employment (which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers) increased slightly in July. The construction and retail trade industries added the most jobs over the month, each adding 500 or more jobs. Payroll jobs increased by 500 jobs over the month with losses in government employment.

The month of July marked the fifth consecutive month where the number of unemployed Montanans remained below 16,000 – near the record low of just under 14,000 which was reached in 2023.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2% on a seasonally adjusted basis in July. The index for shelter rose 0.2% in June, the primary factor for the monthly all items increase. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index rose 2.7% with core inflation rising 3.1%. The index for all items minus food and energy, or core inflation, rose 0.3% in July.

With the start of a new school year, the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) is reminding Montanans to be mindful of school bus laws to help ensure Montana students get to and from school safely.

From 2023-2024, there were a total of 144 school bus violations, 80 citations, and 29 warnings issued to those who failed to obey school bus traffic laws in Montana

Keep these traffic laws in mind when approaching a school bus:

Prepare to slow down when you see the amber/yellow flashing lights. Stop 30 feet from a stopped school bus when it is flashing red lights.

When a school bus is stopped at a four-way intersection, vehicles can’t turn left, turn right, or pass the school bus.

When the stop arm is out on a school bus on a non-divided highway or two-lane road, traffic traveling all directions must stop within 30 feet of the bus.

Reckless driving penalties for drivers who pass, in either direction, a stopped school bus that is displaying the visual flashing red signal is a $285 fine for a first offense and a $785 for a second offense.

Story from Northern Plains Independent:

The Roosevelt County Sheriff/Coroner reports that there a 14-year-old juvenile male was the victim of a fatal shooting on Friday, Aug. 15.

Deputies responded to a report of an accidental shooting on Eighth Avenue North close to 7:30 a.m. on Friday.

The suspect in the shooting is a 13-year-old male.

The victim has been transported for an autopsy. The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation.

The names of the two juveniles have not been released.

It has come to our attention that SCAM artists are calling local citizens of Valley County, telling them they have a warrant of arrest (for missing jury duty) and if you do not pay $$$ you will be taken to jail.

Do Not Fall For This SCAM - or any Scam such as this.
The Valley County Sheriff's Office will never call to tell you to pay money to clear a Warrant. We will never ask you to send money by way of WESTERN UNION. We will never ask you to send $$ via PAYPAL. PERIOD.

If you have a Warrant, Summons, Civil Papers that needs to be served to you, Valley County Sheriff Deputies will come to your house to serve you in person. If we cannot reach you at your home, after multiple attempts, we may try your place of work. Sometimes we will call you and ask for a convenient time to meet you or have you come to the office in person to receive your paperwork.

If you have a Warrant of Arrest we will simply come arrest you.
If you receive a scam phone call please notify dispatch on the non emergency number 406-228-4333 opt#2 and provide as much detail as possible about the interaction with the scammers. Providing phone numbers they called from (typically it will say No Caller ID), any identifiers like names, PayPal addresses, or Western Union account numbers can help us track down the perpetrators of this crime.

Lastly, if you believe a scammer is on the phone with you, it is okay to just hang up. Do not provide any personal information, account numbers, social security numbers, etc. You can call the Sheriff's Office to verify what you were told on the phone.
Please protect yourself and pass this on to your friends and family.
Sheriff Boyer

Servers and bartenders in Montana are eligible for a new federal income tax break on their tips this year but industry representatives said a lack of clear information could keep many from benefiting.

The deduction, a centerpiece of the GOP's One Big Beautiful Bill Act, allows workers to exclude the first $25,000 of their tip income from their federal taxable income.

Brad Griffin, executive director of the Montana Restaurant Association, called it a positive development and urged affected individuals to pay close attention to IRS guidelines.

"It's a deduction off the top line of your income tax," Griffin explained. "You still have to report all of your tips under federal law but you will be able to deduct the first $25,000 off the top line as you file your income taxes."

The Internal Revenue Service released formal guidance detailing how tipped workers can claim the new tax deduction retroactive to January 2025. Griffin noted the change only applies to federal income tax, not Social Security or Medicare withholding and is temporary, set to expire after three years.

The main obstacle now is awareness. Griffin pointed out the responsibility will fall on individual employees to know about the deduction and claim it correctly when they file their taxes, as many may overlook the complex change without help from a tax professional.

"It hasn't gotten a lot of publicity on it," Griffin acknowledged. "Gonna be some administrative challenges from the restaurant operator's perspective but really it's going to be more on the server to be aware of it and to file for the deduction."

Griffin added Montana's 2024 state-level tip taxation proceeded without industry pushback or operational problems. The IRS clarified the federal deduction is available regardless of whether taxpayers itemize. Employers must also file information returns and provide statements to employees detailing cash tips received and their occupation.

The Glasgow City Council on Tuesday set taxes for city residents on Tuesday at a regular budget meeting.

The council reached a consensus to increase the number of mills levied to support the city's general fund. 448.65 mills will be levied on city taxpayers generating $1,664,110.15. This is an increase from $1556,118.36 from last year's budget.

The general fund is used to fund most city services such as the Glasgow Police Department, Glasgow Fire Department and the Glasgow Recreation Department.

The council also agree to increase the street maintenance assessment by 10%. This will increase the assessment by $61,416.16 for a total of $675,577.76.

The council agreed to not assess and increase for solid waste and lighting in the city.

A public hearing will be held September 2nd on the levy increases.

The Glasgow High School Educational Trust (GHSET) is pleased to announce that at their July 23, 2025 semi-annual meeting, 19 students attending a variety of higher learning institutions and the Glasgow High School were awarded gifts. These gifts total $97,000 for students and over $15,400 for the high school. The gifts awarded at that meeting have put the total amount the GHSET has awarded, since its inception, at over $3.5 million.

The GHSET was established in 1964, by members of the GHS Class of 1938, to help GHS alumni pursue higher education, when financial assistance was needed to meet their educational goals. The motivation behind the formation of the Trust was the G.I. Bill. Using the educational assistance that was part of the G.I. Bill, one of the GHSET founders, Cecil Toftness, attained his law degree. Cecil, and his classmates, wanted to support GHS alumni in the same manner, and the GHSET was formed. Later, GHSET gift giving was expanded to include gifts to the Glasgow High School (GHS).

The GHSET awards financial aid to GHS alumni pursuing higher education at colleges/universities and trade schools. All GHS graduates attending an accredited college or trade school and that are in good academic standing, are encouraged to apply. The application, which lists all requirements that must be met, and other information, is available at www.ghsedutrust.org. Financial need has always been a primary consideration; therefore, the trust has established levels of support to meet student’s different needs, and it distributes the funds available accordingly, at its semi-annual meetings. Application deadlines are July 1st and October 15th of each year.

The GHSET also considers purchases of equipment, uniforms, and other support materials for the GHS that cannot be financed by traditional taxpayer-funded sources. Over the years, every department of the high school has benefited from purchases by the GHSET. Every student across the curriculum has benefited throughout his or her years of study. These gifts also benefit the larger community when they attend activities at the school or use the school’s facilities for special events.
The first student gifts awarded by the GHSET were in 1966, since then, there have been over 2,700 gifts awarded to over 800 students and over 130 gifts awarded to GHS. Total student gifts exceed $3,000,000 and total school gifts exceeds $345,000.

The GHSET is now helping the third generation of GHSET alumni and students with its gifting. The GHSET awarded the following gifts at its July 23rd meeting for the Fall (F) 2025 and Spring (S) 2026 semesters, in honor (IHO), memory (IMO), or recognition (IRO) of the name(s) following theirs:

First-time recipients:
Tatum Nyquist – MSU – (F) IMO Maxine Fiedler/(S) IMO Ardis Parke Fuhrman
Teagan Peterson – NDSCS – (F) IMO Paul & Joyce Ruffcorn Jacobson/(S) IMO Dillon Cassel Eve Stone – Southern Oregon U – (F) IMO Gary & Idella Mott/(S) IMO Dean L Rusher

Second-time recipients:
Mason Donaldson – U of M – (F) IRO 1966 Scholarship Gift to Karen Anne Swenson/(S) IHO Stan Andersen Family
Morgan Fast – MSU – (F) IMO Horace O & Emma C Gamas/(S) IMO James K “Jamie” Fewer
Ava Lloyd – MSU – (F) IMO Marsha Cotton Hall/(S) IMO James A “Jim” Parke
Alli Palm – MT Tech U – (F) Hovland Family/(S) IHO Dorothy Kolstad
Riley Smith – MT Tech U – (F) IRO Willard & Charlotte Bruce Family/IMO Aaron “Chappy” Chatten
Mason Swenson – U of M – (F) IMO Leonard H & Kathryn L Langen/(S) IMO Michael C “Mike” Kaiser
Lane Thompson – MSU – (F) IMO Stan & Eva Kalinski/(S) IMO LJ & Jean Baker
Emma Whitmer – U of M – (F) IHO Charlotte Bruce/(S) IHO Carl L Dix

Third-time recipients:
Abigail Engstrom – U of M – (F) IMO James F & Anne Hoffmann/(S) IMO Dr FM & Bernice Knierim
Tyann Graham – Opal Beauty Academy – (F) IMO Vern & Edna Richardson
Klaire Krumweide – UND – (F) Judith “Judy” Rorvik Saindon/(S) IHO Sever & Esther Enkerud
Kylie Lagerquist – U of Jamestown – (F) IMO Robert E “Bob” Rennick, Jr/(S) IHO James & Ailene Dokken Olk Family
Iris McKean – U of M – (F) IRO Glenn & Carolee Grina Wallem/(S) IMO Donald J “Don” Baker
Abrianna Nielsen – Dickinson State U – (F) IMO Leslie L, Lillian, and Mary Margarette Hanson
Mitchel Winchester – MSU – (F) IMO Cecil & Chloe Vincent Toftness/(S) IHO Everett & Elizabeth Breigenzer

Fourth-time recipients:
Victoria Pehlke – U of M Western – (F) IRO Beatrice Trites & Family/(S) IMO Karen D Newton

Glasgow High School:
Multi-Purpose: 96 plastic chairs, 42 plastic tables, 5 transfer/storage racks – IHO Linda Shepherd Allie

Multi-Purpose: 4 Benches – IMO Ivy & Millie Knight

The GHSET is a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization, classified as a 509(a)(1) public charity. All donations are tax deductible. Only the interest on the principal of the GHSET is gifted. Information on how to donate is available on the trust’s webpage at www.ghsedutrust.org.

The GHSET has received donations of all sizes from people across the country and from all walks of life. Many contributions are made in honor, memory, or recognition of a specific individual, organization, or event; donations of all sizes are appreciated. Donations to the trust that total $500 or more in the name of a specific individual, organization, or event allow for a one-time gift to be awarded in that name. Donations of $10,000 or more allow for an ongoing naming opportunity on a regular basis.

As the trust begins it’s 60th year of giving, former recipients and their families, and all who benefit from gifts given to GHS, are asked to remember the GHSET with their donations. A full list of all student and high school gifts since the GHSET’s inception are located at GHS and the Valley County Pioneer Museum; they are updated at the end of each calendar year.

The GHSET thanks its many supporters for their generosity and loyalty over the past 60 years. The GHSET’s success is based on the donations of many GHS alumni that retain a deep appreciation for the educations they received at GHS, and the town of Glasgow itself. The practice of “paying it forward” will help ensure the GHSET is able to continue investing in GHS alumni and the Glasgow High School for future generations.

A man died in a vehicle rollover crash in Phillips County on Thursday, August 14, 2025.

It happened at about 7:20 a.m. near the intersection of Sun Prairie Road and Content Road, about 26 miles south of Malta.

According to the Montana Highway Patrol, a 40-year old man from Malta was driving a Chevy Silverado south on Sun Prairie Road.

For some reason, the vehicle went off the left side of the road and overturned.

The man died at the scene; his name has not been released.

He was the only occupant of the vehicle.

According to the MHP, alcohol and speed are suspected as factors in the crash; the MHP report says that it is "unknown" if he was wearing a seatbelt at the time.

The Fort Peck Tribal election will be held October 25th. The last day to file for office with the Fort Peck Tribes is September 10th.

President Donald Trump on Monday railed against mail-in voting and vowed to “lead a movement” to eliminate the practice ahead of the 2026 midterms.

“ELECTIONS CAN NEVER BE HONEST WITH MAIL IN BALLOTS/VOTING, and everybody, IN PARTICULAR THE DEMOCRATS, KNOWS THIS,” he wrote on Truth Social. “I, AND THE REPUBLICAN PARTY, WILL FIGHT LIKE HELL TO BRING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY BACK TO OUR ELECTIONS.”

Trump has for years opposed mail-in ballots, insisting that they played a role in voter fraud he baselessly claims cost him the 2020 presidential election.

The president on Monday indicated he would sign an executive order to assist with the effort to roll back mail-in voting. He also said he would target voting machines, instead favoring watermark paper for ballots. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on what the order would entail.

Valley County voters have embraced mail-in-voting in recent years. In 2024, 92% of all votes cast in Valley County were done by mail-in-voting. In fact, out of 4148 votes cast by Valley County voters, only 352 voters cast their ballot in person.

In the 2024 election in Montana, 81% of all votes cast were done by mail-in ballot. 495,286 votes were cast by mail and 117,137 were cast in person.

“Now they need that money in order to have the Post Office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots,” the president said on Fox Business Network in a 2020 interview. “By the way, those are just two items, but if they don’t get those two items that means you can’t have universal mail-in voting.”

Historically, Democrats have returned more mail-in votes than Republicans, who more often vote in person. But the use of mail-in voting spiked dramatically during the 2020 election amid the Covid-19 pandemic and has remained higher in the subsequent elections.

In 2024, Trump’s campaign and the RNC disseminated information to help their base vote by mail despite Trump’s continued efforts to sow disdain for the practice.

Starting today, Montana homeowners can begin applying for property tax rebates to get up to $400 back this year.

The application window will close Oct. 1.

This is the third round of rebates homeowners have had access to in the past couple of years, as residents' property tax bills have continued to surge, putting some Montanans in a financial bind.

Most Montana homeowners will receive $400 unless their 2024 property tax bill was lower, in which case they will receive a rebate equal to the cost of their tax bill.

Homeowners who owned and lived in their Montana residence for at least seven months in 2024 are eligible to apply. Montanans whose homes are owned by an LLC or corporation are not eligible, nor are renters, despite the fact that landlords' tax payments are often a factor when determining rent costs.

The application requires a physical address, the amount of property taxes paid in 2024, the names and Social Security numbers of the taxpayer and any spouse or dependents, and the home's geocode. The geocode can be found at cadastral.mt.gov.

The Montana Department of Revenue is encouraging people to apply online, but residents can also send in a paper form.

Homeowners who claim their rebate this year and do not move or sell their home will also be automatically enrolled into a preferred property tax rate classification in 2026 when the tax code changes again.

This rebate was part of a larger legislative package that implements a graduated rate system for the 2025 property tax cycle to help dampen increasingly expensive property tax bills that result from increasing home values. And in 2026, the legislative package implements a different property tax system that is meant to lower property taxes for primary residents even more by raising rates on short-term rentals and second homes.

To learn more and apply for the rebate starting Friday, visit getmyrebate.mt.gov

The Glasgow City Council will meet Monday at 5pm in the Council Chambers of the Glasgow Civic Center.

Story credit to Northern Plains Independent. https://www.northernplainsindependent.com

The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board passed by a 7-2 margin a resolution to explore the exploration and development of a tribal cannabis regulatory framework and economic initiative.

The decision made on Monday includes having the economic development committee conduct a feasibility study and comprehensive business plan within 30 days regarding viable business models, investment options and implementation plans. The resolution notes the tribes seek to explore opportunities for economic development, public health and revenue generation through the lawful regulation, licensing and commercial development of cannabis and cannabis derived products under tribal law.

TED members Stacey Summers, Carolyn Brugh and Roxanne Gourneau recently attended an alternate medicine conference held in New Town, N.D.

Gourneau said the North Dakota’s group’s goals included being very highly regulated. She says she is a proponent of medicinal cannabis in order to help people suffering with health issues and depression. “It’s about the consumers, and consumers are people,” Gourneau said.

The vote came after about a half-hour of discussion among the board members.

TEB member Jestin Dupree pointed out that the area already deals with substance abuse problems. He said some departments already need grant money in order to help residents struggling with addiction.

“To me, this gives the wrong message to our kids at this moment,” Dupree said.

TEB member Ben Johnson argued that cannabis is a good way for the tribes to add money and to make sure regulations are done the right way.

TEB member Rita Weeks also mentioned the importance of having strong regulatory laws and that the community needs to be involved in the process.

“It’s here and is going to stay here,” Weeks said of cannabis. “Let’s make sure we regulate it well enough.”

Gourneau reminded the board that the resolution is only to explore options. She feels that data gathered will lead to correct decisions in the future. She feels it’s possible to add between 100-500 new jobs in areas such as planting, harvesting and security.

TEB member Bryce Kirk expressed his concerns for the area’s children. He said food is taken away from children because parents are choosing marijuana instead of feeding their kids.

“A lot of lives are put off track because of marijuana,” Kirk said. “Kids are hungry, I’m telling you.

TEB member Lawrence Hamilton questioned if 30 days for the study is long enough and wondered about the cost for a feasibility study. TEB member Terry Rattling Thunder Sr. said there
are pros and cons regarding the issue. He favored the resolution because there’s a need to capture some of the money that the current dispensaries are making.

“It’s going to get tougher as we go down the line from here,” Rattling Thunder said of the tribes’ finances.

The wait is over – Parke Place Pool is open today!

The new pool has been in the works for several years and a dedicated group of volunteers have spent those years raising over $4.4 million to make the new pool a reality.

Glasgow went without a swimming pool in 2024 and the initial plan was to have the new pool open in May of this year but delays have pushed that back to August 14th.

Grab your swimsuits and goggles — starting today, we’re back in the water!

Opening Week Schedule:
Thursday, Aug 14 & Friday, Aug 15
Lap Swim: 6–7am
Open Swim: 1–2:45pm & 3–4:45pm
Lap Swim: 5–6pm
Night Swim: 7–8:45pm

Saturday, Aug 16
Open Swim: 1–2:45pm & 3–4:45pm

Cost: $2 per person

Ongoing Schedule (Mon–Fri until Labor Day)
Lap Swim: 6am & 6pm
Night Swim: 7–8:45pm

Come make a splash — we can’t wait to see you at the pool!

In a meeting on Wednesday, the Glasgow School Board approved the budget for the upcoming school year.

The total amount of all money budgeted for the school year is $10,450,170.32. The largest portion of the budget is the General Fund which is used to pay for operations of the school district. That amount is $7,379,670.32 and compares to $6,949,480 in the 2024-2025 school year. The additional funding is due to state money from the Stars Act which was used to provide a 7% increase in pay for all employees in the school district.

The school district as budgeted $6,046,579 for salaries for all school employees and another $1,937,077 which used for benefits plus social security and unemployment. For example, the district pays $507,774 for social security, $620,021 in teacher retirement and $612,033 in health insurance payments for employees.

In this fiscal year, the district will pay $2.936 million for teacher salaries, $409,124 in administrative salaries, $505,212 for custodians and $490,668 in salaries for teacher aides.

The district has budgeted $80,000 for natural gas, $150,373 for electricity and $26,443 for water and sewer.

Other services the district budgets for includes $21,524 for telephones, $173,336 for insurance and $7,070 for instructional filed trips.

The full budget is available for public preview on the school website.

The Glasgow Mosquito District is stepping up efforts after confirmation of West Nile Virus in local mosquito populations.

On the morning of August 14th, Devon Cozart, Communicable Disease Epidemiologist with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, notified the district that two mosquito pools tested positive for the virus. The samples came from BLM land in Valley County — one site 14 miles west of Glasgow on Bentonite Road, and another 26 miles west at Arrambide Reservoir.

The district began trapping mosquitoes outside city limits on August 10th, sending samples to Carroll College for testing. Trapping and testing will continue until the first frost.

Through the end of the season, crews will fog three nights a week, treat standing water with larvicide, and spray city parks and school fields. Officials stress that the virus has only been found in Culex mosquitoes, and there have been no reported human or equine cases in the area.

Residents are reminded to take precautions against mosquito bites and thank the mosquito control teams working long hours in the mornings and evenings to protect the community.

On August 12, 2025, multiple agencies participated in the pursuit and apprehension of a wanted individual on the Fort Peck Reservation.

Law enforcement located the suspect in Wolf Point. He fled in a vehicle with a female passenger, traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 2 into the Wyota area. The pursuit ended near the Missouri River when the vehicle crashed into a wooded area.

Officers established a perimeter and began searching on foot. A fixed-wing aircraft provided aerial support, while Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks officers used a jet boat to search the riverbank.

After approximately 90 minutes, the male suspect was apprehended with assistance from Fort Peck Tribal officers and a K9 tracking unit. The female suspect was located shortly afterward. Law enforcement initiated lifesaving measures at the scene before she was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

The Valley County Sheriff’s Office extends its gratitude to the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Montana Highway Patrol, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the Montana Livestock Investigator, and Valley County deputies for their coordinated efforts.

Valley County Sheriff Tom Boyer

The Glasgow School Board will meet Wednesday evening at 6pm in the Gary F. Martin Board Room.

Glasgow Schools are bristling with activity as staff returns to the building preparing for the first day of school Monday, August 18th.

Brenner Flaten is in his second year as the Glasgow School Superintendent and has penned a welcome back letter to the Glasgow community.

Near Zortman, a coordinated rescue saved the life of a seriously injured hiker near Old Scraggy Mountain on Saturday, August 9, 2025.

Around 4 p.m., the Phillips County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call reporting that a member of a hiking party had fallen down a sheer rock face near the peak.

Spotty cell service made it difficult to locate the hiker, and rescuers searched for nearly three hours before discovering the hiker in a rock chute.

"We realized that the only way this subject was making it off the mountain was by a helicopter hoist," stated Phillips County Undersheriff Jordan Arthur.

The 189th Helicopter Crew of the Montana Army National Guard, Deputy Harris, several volunteer fire departments, and other organizations also contributed to the rescue effort. Arthur stated that the operation benefited from excellent communication.

"That location is really problematic in terms of both cell and radio service. So it was one of the issues we had to face. But, as far as incident command and everything, everybody was on the same page," Arthur said.

The successful rescue can be attributed to two key factors: Deputy Harris's on-site medical care, which stabilized the patient for several hours, and the availability and promptness of the helicopters.

"Without that helicopter, I don't know what we would have done until morning," Arthur told me. "And with severe trauma like that, I don't know if the patient would have made it through the night."

Because of the quick and collaborative response, the hiker not only made it through the night but was evacuated to safety and is expected to survive.

Full press release from Phillips County Sheriff's Office:

At approximately 1600 hours on Saturday, August 9th, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call from a subject that was hiking near the summit of Scraggy Mountain near Zortman. The subject reported that a member of their party had fallen down a steep rock face, and was critically injured and non-responsive. Due to spotty cell service, an exact location could not be obtained at that time.

Based upon the totality of the circumstances, the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office launched a search and rescue mission and mobilized other agencies to assist. These agencies included the Malta Volunteer Fire Dept., Zortman Volunteer Fire Department, Phillips County Ambulance Service, Bureau of Land Management Zortman office, Montana Highway Patrol, and the Ft. Belknap Police Department.

At the time the 911 call was received, PCSO Deputy Harris was already in the Zortman area. Deputy Harris has advanced medical certifications and excellent knowledge of the Little Rockies mountain range. Deputy Harris assembled an initial response crew including BLM members, and began an initial assent up Scraggy Mountain in an effort to locate the injured subject while additional resources and PCSO staff responded from Malta. During this time, multiple phone calls were connected with the reporting party, but each time a different set of coordinates were reported before the phone calls were lost.

Due to the severity of the reported injuries, a medivac helicopter was requested, but had to return to base due to thick wildfire smoke in the Zortman area.

While the initial team continued up the mountain, PCSO Deputy Uphaus and Undersheriff Arthur arrived on scene and established a forward staging area before attempting to create access for ATVs closer to the summit. Due to the remote terrain and thick vegetation, it was determined that the only access up towards the summit was by foot.

At this time, Undersheriff Arthur assumed incident command duties, and a second team consisting of MHP Trooper Westford and Ft. Belknap Police Officer Warren began their assent with supporting equipment for the initial team.

At approximately 1900 hours, three hours after the initial 911 call was received, the first response team located the injured subject in a rock chute near the summit of Scraggy Mountain. Deputy Harris performed life saving measures, and it was determined that it was not possible to transport the individual out by foot due to injuries and the terrain. Due to this, the PCSO requested mutual aid through the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association mutual aid system for a rescue airship that was capable of conducting high risk night-time hoist operations. This call was answered by the Montana National Guard, who dispatched a blackhawk helicopter belonging to the 189th Aviation Regiment out of Helena.

While waiting for the airship response, the two teams linked up at the location of the injured subject and began establishing a shelter and fire in order to stabilize the patient. Deputy Harris continued to perform life saving measures throughout the entirety of this incident.

The blackhawk, call sign Dustoff 690, arrived on scene at approximately 22:34 hours to assist. The crew of Dustoff 690 expertly conducted hoist operations, and were successful with lifting the injured subject off of the mountain. The crew of Dustoff 690 went a step further, and directly transported the injured subject to Billings for advanced medical treatment.

After the rescue, both teams returned down the mountain and back to the staging area without incident.

This search and rescue operation was a major physical and logistical undertaking, and was only made possible by the efforts made by each responding agency and individual. This was a team effort.

In April, President Trump issued two executive orders instructing federal agencies to implement workforce development initiatives to prepare Americans for skilled trade jobs and to advance artificial intelligence (AI) in education. The 406 JOBS framework aligns with federal policy and modernizes Montana’s workforce system.

“406 JOBS will work across the public and private sector to promote career, college, military, and entrepreneurship pathways for Montanans to strengthen our workforce and prepare the next generation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’re following President Trump’s lead to Make America Skilled Again and opening the door to greater opportunities for all Montanans to reach their full, outstanding potential.”

Signing Executive Order 5-2025, Gov. Gianforte designated SWIB to implement the 406 JOBS initiative as the unifying framework for the state workforce system.

406 JOBS stands for Four Pathways to Employment, Zero Barriers to Work, and Six High Demand Sectors. Those sectors include health care, construction, hospitality and recreation, advanced manufacturing and computing, education and child care, and financial and professional services.

Earlier this year, President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order 14278 to “Make America Skilled Again,” by fully equipping workers and streamlining workforce development programs. Last week, The U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $30 million in grants with awards available up to $8 million for state workforce agencies to address critical workforce needs.

The governor Monday held a press conference at the Boeing facility in Helena with DLI Commissioner Sarah Swanson, SWIB Board Member and Executive Director of the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance Jason Yager, and Boeing Helena Director Kevin Poulin to introduce the new initiative.

“406 JOBS is designed to ensure that every Montanan has a plan for a career and a pathway to achieve it. We need to grow our labor force and tear down barriers to employment. Just last week, DLI released a new report, showing that more than 100,000 working age Montanans are not employed and not seeking work. Through 406 JOBS, we have an opportunity to reconnect people from all parts of the state to meaningful work,” Commissioner Swanson said.

“Montana is ideally situated to transform our workforce and drive continued economic growth in the state. We are hearing almost daily from companies in the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors looking to come to Montana,” Yager said. “SWIB is dedicated to reforming our workforce system to be ready for those opportunities, to prepare people for the future, and to bridge the labor gaps in high-demand sectors across the state.”

“Boeing is deeply invested in Montana,” Poulin said. “Workforce initiatives like 406 JOBS will have a wide-reaching impact beyond just one company or site. We know that the partnerships between industry, government, and community groups are essential to building a strong and capable workplace.”

The order also directs DLI to expand AI training opportunities, support educators in including AI-readiness in career programs in the K-12 system, use AI tools to support job seekers, and use public-private partnerships to accelerate AI technology adoption.

In partnership with the Montana Legislature, Gov. Gianforte this year signed into law a number of reforms to modernize Montana’s state workforce and education systems.

Signing into law House Bill 449, House Bill 656, and House Bill 823, the governor overhauled outdated structures and strengthened access to training resources across state programs to ensure Montana students receive education and training that prepare them well for in-demand careers.

“Montana’s workforce and education partners anticipated the direction of federal policy and took early, decisive action to align our systems and better serve students, jobseekers, and employers. We are leading with a bold vision of zero barriers to employment in the state of Montana,” Commissioner Swanson said of the reforms.

Increasing access to education and workforce training is a top priority for Gov. Gianforte. In his first year in office, the governor increased apprenticeship opportunities by changing the journeyman-to-apprentice ratio from 2:1 to 1:2. Now, one journeyman can supervise two apprentices.

This rule change has led to a record number of apprentices working in Montana. In 2024, more than 680 Montana businesses offered apprenticeships to train workers resulting in over 3,150 Montanans enrolled in active apprenticeships, a 25% increase over the five years prior. Building on that success, Gov. Gianforte signed House Bill 336 into law this year which allows apprenticeship as a pathway to occupational licensing for more than 30 professions in Montana.

In July, Gov. Gianforte launched the state’s first registered teacher apprenticeship program to get more highly skilled and highly qualified teachers into Montana classrooms. This year, the governor secured a historic $100 million to raise teacher pay, with a focus on educators who are just starting their careers.

In his first week in office, Gov. Gianforte introduced the TEACH Act, or Tomorrow’s Educators Are Coming Home Act, to provide incentives to school districts to increase starting teacher pay. In its first year, the TEACH Act helped nearly 500 teachers begin their careers in Montana. In 2023, the governor increased funding for the program by 40 percent.

Strengthening Montana’s workforce and expanding opportunities for students through career and technical education (CTE) are also top priorities for the governor. This fall, under the newly enacted STARS Act, DLI will establish a statewide database of industry recognized credentials that high school students can earn for credit. Schools will receive incentive payments based on the number of students attaining industry recognized credentials or dual enrollment credits.

According to data from 2023, a record number of Montana high school students received college credit in a CTE program. Data released by Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education revealed that over 3,300 high school students received college credit for CTE in 2023, an increase of more than 600 students from 2022.

As designated in the new executive order, SWIB is expected to deliver a implementation plan in 90 days to examine existing agency workforce initiatives and establish annual reporting mechanisms.

Montana homeowners can apply for a property tax rebate starting Friday, August 15.

Gov. Greg Gianforte reminded Montanans on Friday about two new laws that provide Montana homeowners with property tax relief, including new tax rates and rebates.

“Recognizing the burden of rising property taxes, we worked with the Legislature to deliver permanent and meaningful property tax relief,” Gianforte said in a news release. “I encourage all eligible Montana homeowners to visit getmyrebate.mt.gov starting August 15 to claim a rebate before the application period closes on October 1.

“It’s critical that homeowners claim their rebate this year as you may be automatically enrolled into the lower Homestead Rate next year.”

Rebate, tiered tax rates
Senate Bill 542, carried by Sen.Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, establishes new, tiered tax rates to deliver property tax relief for Montanans for their homes, small businesses, farms, and ranches in 2025.

It also provides a property tax rebate for Montanans for their primary residence. Eligible Montana homeowners may qualify for the rebate — up to $400 this year — for property taxes paid in 2024.

To qualify for the rebate, taxpayers must have owned and lived in their home for at least seven months and paid property taxes on the residence in 2024.

To claim it, taxpayers may apply at either getmyrebate.mt.gov or by paper form by Oct. 1, 2025.

“The fastest way to get your rebate is to apply online,” said Montana Department of Revenue Director Brendan Beatty in a statement from the Governor’s Office. “Make sure to apply by the deadline of October 1.”

The application requires the physical address, geocode (go here for help identifying the geocode), amount of property taxes paid as shown on the property tax bill, and the names and social security numbers of the taxpayer and any spouse.

The Department of Revenue has created tools on getmyrebate.mt.gov to aid taxpayers in compiling this information, including a video demonstrating how to find a property’s geocode. The department will process claims as they are received, the news release said.

For additional information about the property tax rebate or to check on the status of your property tax rebate, visit?getmyrebate.mt.gov.

Montana homeowners who claim and receive a property tax rebate in 2025 may be automatically enrolled in the Homestead Rate for 2026, provided the homeowner did not move or change ownership in 2025, the news release said.

Homestead rate
House Bill 231, carried by Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, establishes the Homestead Rate.

Recommended by the governor’s bipartisan Property Tax Task Force, the Homestead Rate is a new, lower property tax rate for long-term rentals and primary residences, “the places Montanans call home,” the news release said.

If a homeowner did not claim a rebate, moved, acquired a new residence, or was previously ineligible for the rebate, they must apply to claim the Homestead Rate through the Montana Department of Revenue from Dec. 1, 2025, and March 1, 2026.

More information about the Homestead Rate is available at homestead.mt.gov.

The annual Tip-A-Cop fundraiser for Special Olympics is coming to Glasgow on August 19th.

Blend 10, The Loaded Toad and Starbucks will host local law enforcement personnel and Milk River athletes from 7:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. in an event that helps to raise money to cover the costs of Special Olympic events for our area athletes.

Those events include: the state basketball tournament in Helena in November, the area bowling tournament in Glasgow in February, the area Track/Field/Bocce tournament in Glasgow in April/May, and the State games in Billings in May. Milk River will also be sending a coach and athlete to the USA Games in Minneapolis in the summer of 2026!

Please support our area athletes by donating to Tip-A-Cop on August 19th!

The Montana Department of Revenue is reporting that marijuana sales in Valley County totaled $159,251 in the month of July. This is the highest amount of sales in 2025 according to the DOR.

Previous month sales in Valley County:

June- $145,432
May- $154,494
April- $139,424

In Montana, total sales from 2022 thru July of 2025 have totaled $1.133 billion which has brought in $190.8 million in taxes to the State of Montana and local entities.

Farm real estate prices rose year-over-year nationally, as every state saw gains in land values, according to an annual report from the Ag Department. The value of land and buildings on farms rose 4.3% this year, to $4,350, the agency said after a survey of more than 28,000 operations conducted April–June.

Cropland costs increased 4.7%, to $5,830 an acre, and pasture value rose 4.9%, to $1,920 an acre.

Every state reported increases in overall farmland land value. Michigan had the highest increase in land value at 7.8%; Tennessee at 7.7%; South Dakota at 6.8%; and Ohio, Texas and Utah each at 6.1%.

Average farmland values ranged from a low of $725 an acre in New Mexico to $22,500 in Rhode Island.

Montana

The average farm real estate value in Montana was up 2.5% from 2024 at $1,230/acre. Cropland specifically was up 3.1% at $1,320/acre.

Irrigated cropland was up 5.6% percent in Montana at $4,350/acre, whereas as dryland farm ground was up 1.9% at $1,050/acre.

Pasture values saw an increase of 3.% year over year in Montana to $920/acre.

Taking a longer term look, in the last 5 years all farm real estate in Montana is up 34%, irrigated land up 45%, dryland up 27%, and pasture values up 35%.

Wyoming

In Wyoming, the average farm real estate value is up 2.6% at $1,000/acre.

Irrigated cropland is valued at $3,360/acre up 1.8% from last year and non-irrigated land is up 3.7% at $1,130/acre. All cropland is estimated at an average value of $2,000/acre, up 2% from 2024.

Pasture values in Wyoming at also up 2% from last year at $755/acre.

Since 2020, Wyoming farm real estate is up 33% in value, irrigated ground up 36%, dryland crop ground up 35% and pasture land values are up 30%.

North Dakota

North Dakota farm real estate came in with an average value of $2,360 per acre up 4.4% from 2024.

Cropland in North Dakota is valued at $2,710/acre, which is up 4.2% and pasture is estimated at $1,140/acre up 8.6%.

The 5-year trend shows all farm real estate in North Dakota up 37%, cropland up 40%, and pasture values up 44%.

South Dakota

All farm real estate in South Dakota had an average value of $2,970/acre in 2025 up 6.8% from the previous year.

South Dakota cropland was estimated up 6% at $4,610/acre and pasture values pegged at $1,340/acre up 5.5%.

Comparing back to 2020’s land values in South Dakota, farm real estate is up 48% in value, all cropland up 52%, and pasture values are up 28%.

The National Weather Service is reporting damage in the Fort Peck area from a thunderstorm that moved through Thursday.

The NWS reports wind gusted to 80mph with heavy rain for 3 minutes and rainfall at .44 inches. They also state that electrical power is out still this morning for many in the Fort Peck area.

A member of the public reported this near Duck Creek Fishing Access site: Storms generated 2 inch rainfall in under 2hrs with wind gusts to 60 mph. Power out in the area.

Pictures of the storm damage can be found on the Kltz Glasgow Facebook page.

July runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa was 2.0 million acre-feet (MAF), 62% of average. Runoff was below-average in the Fort Peck and Garrison reaches with average to above-average runoff in the lower four reaches. The annual runoff forecast above Sioux City, Iowa is 19.2 MAF, 75% of average.

“Above-normal precipitation occurred in much of the basin, though areas of western Montana and Wyoming continue to be very dry,” said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

“The dry soil moisture, below-normal rainfall in the mountain regions, and below-normal mountain snowpack runoff have led to well below-average reservoir inflows into Fort Peck and Garrison this summer.”

The U.S. Drought Monitor, updated on July 29, indicated 53% of the basin was not experiencing drought conditions, an improvement of 15% since July 1. Only a small area of Extreme Drought was present in western Montana. The U.S. Drought Outlook indicates drought conditions are expected to persist or expand throughout the basin through the end of October.

System storage on Aug. 1 was 51.7 MAF, down 0.4 MAF since July 1 and 4.4 MAF below the base of the Annual Flood Control and Multiple Use zone. The monthly reservoir studies indicate System storage will continue to decline in the Carryover Multiple Use Zone during 2025. “The winter release from Gavins Point, which is based on the Sept. 1 System storage check, will likely be at the minimum rate of 12,000 cfs,” added Remus.

Basin and river conditions continue to be monitored, and System regulation will be adjusted based on the most up-to-date information.

Fort Peck Dam
Average releases past month – 9,100 cfs
Current release rate – 9,000 cfs
Forecast average release rate – 9,000 cfs
End-of-July reservoir level – 2226.0 feet (down 1.1 feet from June 30)
Forecast end-of-August reservoir level – 2224.4 feet
Notes: Releases will be maintained at 9,000 cfs through mid-September.

The six mainstem power plants generated 766 million kWh of electricity in July. Typical energy generation for July is 949 million kWh. The power plants are expected to generate 8.0 billion kWh this year, compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh.

ALL returning families will have to confirm enrollment through Infinite Campus before your student(s) can begin the school year.

ALL new families will need to register on the Infinite Campus system. Head to the Glasgow Public Schools Facebook page

https://dailymontanan.com/
A federal judge in Missoula on Tuesday vacated the federal government’s determination that gray wolves in the Western United States do not need increased federal protections under the Endangered Species Act.

Several coalitions of conservation groups, including several from Montana, filed lawsuits in federal district court last year against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in an attempt to force the agency to reapply ESA protections to the species.

The groups praised the decision from the federal district court in Montana as a step forward towards providing greater protection for the iconic species.

Officials in Montana — which joined the lawsuit with the federal government — decried the ruling as yet another ruling by an “activist” judge.

“Montana has a healthy, sustainable population of wolves. While we are reviewing the decision, it will not implicate our state’s management efforts or our wolf season,” said Kaitlin Price, a spokesperson for Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office. “Unfortunately, we’re not surprised to see another activist decision in favor of environmental extremists. If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service appeals the decision, Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks will be there to support them.”

Body cameras are a valuable resource for law enforcement agencies of all sizes, and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) has just started using them.

Axon contractors with MHP are busy installing brand-new camera systems into vehicles and connecting them to body cameras, which the over 250 MHP troopers have never worn.

"Everything we do is geared towards better service to the public, and that's what this system delivers for us," said Col. Kurt Sager, who leads MHP.

He says the body cameras will help his agency in multiple ways, like reducing the time it takes to write reports, getting evidence to prosecutors more efficiently, and for incidents that take troopers away from their vehicles.

The body cameras will also add protection for both civilians and troopers.

While the body cameras are new, MHP has had cameras in its vehicles for decades.

In 2023, the Montana legislature granted MHP $4 million to implement the new system, and the funds will be distributed over the next 5 years.

The maximum speed on North Dakota interstates went up to 80 mph on August 1st, matching Montana and South Dakota interstate highway speeds.

The first 80 mph sign went up last Friday, and over the next two weeks, crews will be swapping out 290 signs across the state.

The Northeast Montana Fair continues Tues. Aug. 5th with the PRCA Slack beginning at 8 a.m. It continues on Wed. Aug. 6th, with Steer Roping in memory of Wes Scott & Steer Wrestling in memory of Kyle Calloway.

Also Tuesday, the Open Class Exhibit Entry from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The Border Plains & Glasgow Auto Sales PRCA Rodeo & Wild Horse Race is Tues. Aug. 5th & Wed. Aug. 6th at 7 p.m. each evening with Wild Pony Calcutta at 6p.m. each evening.

Thursday the 7th has Zach Aaron performing in the Beer Gardens beginning at 7 p.m. free of charge – check him out on Facebook.

Friday the 8th is the 4-H Livestock Sale at 4 p.m. & the 20 Dollar Hollar Concert with opener Poppa Bear Norton & headliner Speak Eezy at 7 p.m.

Saturday the 9th has the 4-H Farm Olympics at 1 p.m. & 4-H Awards Ceremony at 3:30 p.m., the Milk River Motorsports Demolition Derby Calcutta is at 6 p.m. with Derby to follow. There will also be Live Band Entertainment in the Beer Garden area following the Derby.

The Dreamland Carnival runs Wednesday - Saturday with P.O.P. tickets on sale through Tuesday the 5th; Independence Bank Free Stage acts are Thursday thru Saturday; the Oink Quack Moo Zoo is Wednesday thru Friday; Flatland Cruisers’ Car Show is in the Event Center Wednesday through Saturday.

There will be a rock climbing wall, good food at the various food booths, & plenty more to go see.

Valley County, Glasgow, MT
10:30 a.m. Wednesday, August 6, 2025

1. Additions/Deletions
2. Public Comment on Agenda Items
3. Action on Employment/Termination Notices
4. Consider a modification to the congregate meals service contract
5. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

(From the National Weather Service)

The month of July was a wet one for much of Montana, including Glasgow. The National Weather Service office in Glasgow recorded 3.69 inches of rain in July; average precipitation for the month is 1.95 inches. There were 18 days of recorded precipitation, with 16 of those at least one hundredth of an inch of rain.

Temperatures were slightly cooler: the average minimum temperature was 57.7 degrees, behind the average of 58.5 degrees. The average high was 83.8 degrees, below the average of 85.5 inches. Overall, the average temperature for the month was 70.8 degrees, 1.2 degrees below the average of 72 degrees. The hottest temperature recorded was 100 on July 2nd; the coolest was 51 degrees on July 17th.

World Premiere of DRACULA:
Fort Peck Summer Theatre concludes 56th season along with Artistic Director Andy Meyers’ 15-year tenure

1 Vampire. 4 Actors. 9 Pints of Blood. 57 Characters. In a madcap mash-up of Misery and Laugh-In, the world’s most famous vampire will haunt the historic Fort Peck Theatre. A fever-paced balance of comedy and horror, as hilarious lightning-fast costume changes and tongue-in-cheek dialogue are matched by rousing jump scares and goosebump-inducing chilling special effects.

Audience favorite Pam L. Veis, who has had many memorable FPST roles, includeing Annie Wilkes in Misery, Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy and Louise in Always….Patsy Cline, stars alongside veteran Shy Iverson and newcomers Frances Parsons and Wren Svodoba. Combined, the four versatile actors play over 50 roles! The fifth actor, Jay Michael Roberts, who is celebrating his 12th season as a FPST Actor and Scenic Designer, plays the titular vampire.

Dracula is written and directed by departing Artistic Director Andy Meyers. Meyers hopes it is a ‘perfect balance of comedy and horror, designed to take the audience from hysterical laughter to goosebumps at a moment’s notice’. The project wraps up Meyers’ 15-year tenure at FPST.

Meyers says: “I am excited (and scared) to be closing with a World Premier: Dracula! As the playwright for this brand-new adaptation, I deeply thank the entire company for all the creative energy, constructive critique and support, as I led the team to fabricate, brainstorm and daydream this new production into existence. This thank you does not just extend to the current cast: mounting a new work is a long journey, and many previous FPST companies have volunteered their days off to participate in read-throughs, tirelessly proofreading and editing, and at times lovingly encouraging me to deliver handfuls of pages into the paper shredder and start over….”

Performances are August 15 – August 31: Friday & Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4:00 p.m. For Tickets and info: 406-526-9943 or visit fortpecktheatre.org

This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, these counties suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for 8 or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.

Triggering Disaster #1

Impacted Area: Montana

Triggering Disaster: Drought

Application Deadline: 3/16/2026

Primary Counties Eligible:

Montana: Daniels, Garfield, McCone, Mineral, Missoula, Phillips, Roosevelt, Sanders and Valley

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:

Idaho: Bonner, Clearwater, Idaho and Shoshone

Montana: Blaine, Custer, Dawson, Fergus, Flathead, Granite, Lake, Lincoln, Petroleum, Powell, Prairie, Ravalli, Richland, Rosebud and Sheridan

North Dakota: McKenzie and Williams

Triggering Disaster #2

Impacted Area: Montana

Triggering Disaster: Drought

Application Deadline: 3/16/2026

Primary Counties Eligible:

Montana: Hill, Liberty and Toole

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:

Montana: Blaine, Chouteau, Glacier and Pondera

Triggering Disaster #3

Impacted Area: Idaho

Triggering Disaster: Drought

Application Deadline: 3/16/2025

Primary Counties Eligible:

Idaho: Clearwater, Idaho, Lemhi, Lewis and Shoshone

Contiguous Counties Also Eligible:

Idaho: Adams, Benewah, Bonner, Butte, Clark, Custer, Kootenai, Latah, Nez Perce and Valley

Montana: Beaverhead, Mineral, Missoula, Ravalli and Sanders

Oregon: Wallowa

In case you haven’t heard, Valley County 4-H offers a new opportunity for buyers of the Valley County 4-H/FFA Livestock sale to help support our youth and our community. Buyers will now have the option to donate their livestock purchases to the Valley Community Food Bank or any local Valley County School to help feed our community. We are partnering with the Producer Partnership to process the animals free of charge in their USDA-inspected facility.

The Producer Partnership was founded in Spring 2020 with the mission to end hunger in Montana. The nonprofit organization partners with livestock producers across the state by processing donated livestock into top-quality protein and providing it to food banks, schools and senior centers to help those in need. This is the spirit of Montana neighbors helping one another.

By partnering with the Producer Partnership, businesses with strict regulations regarding the distribution of their 4-H meat now have an option that opens the doors to donate the meat to more places in Valley County. Not only is this a tax benefit to those who donate, but they are also helping our schools feed locally grown protein and help communities with food insecurities.

Area producers are also invited to take advantage of the Producer Partnership when donating to local charities or schools by coordinating transportation. Producer Partnership will pick up animals for processing on Saturday, August 9th, in Glasgow. The Valley County Extension Office will coordinate this through their office. Area producers will receive a receipt of donation for tax purposes. Processing of all donated animals is USDA-inspected and free through the Producer Partnership.

Let’s fill a trailer to go with the 4-H animals on Saturday! If you are interested in participating in this wonderful program, we encourage you to call and sign up at the Valley County Extension Services at 228-6241.

Other buying options include partnering with another business or individual to purchase an animal or choosing to purchase an animal and then reselling it at the current market price. The Extension office also coordinates the resale option.

Two Rivers Economic Growth will host the Valley County Nonprofit Summit on Thursday, September 4, 2025

Nonprofits are the heart of rural communities—and we’re bringing them together for a day of inspiration, learning, and connection. The Valley County Nonprofit Summit is designed for nonprofit leaders, board members, volunteers, and anyone passionate about making a difference.

Mark your calendars! Full agenda and registration details will be available soon.

This event is made possible through support from the Reimagining Rural Grant Program, administered by the Montana Community Foundation, and presented by Two Rivers Economic Growth.

(Two Rivers Economic Growth press release)
We are thrilled to officially announce that Glasgow, Montana, has been selected as the host city for the 2026 Montana Downtown & Main Street Conference!

Dates: April 29 – May 1, 2026
Hosted by: Two Rivers Economic Growth & the Montana Main Street Program (Montana Department of Commerce)

This statewide event brings together community leaders, economic development professionals, and Main Street champions to share ideas, inspire innovation, and celebrate the power of Montana’s downtowns. We’re honored to bring this incredible opportunity to our region and showcase the vibrancy and spirit of Valley County.

Effective August 1, 2025, All Commercial Businesses with trees or tree waste will be required to come across the scale during business hours and will be charged a $15 per ton fee.

No commercial tree or tree waste will be permitted in bins located outside of the landfill during or after hours. If you have any questions or need additional information, contact the Valley County Landfill at 406-228-4730.

Dashboard Link
HELENA – In an effort to provide more insight to bear management and to keep local landowners and communities aware when black bears or grizzly bears are relocated, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks released a new online Bear Relocation Dashboard today.

This new dashboard displays general relocations on an interactive map. FWP relocates bears for a variety of reasons and the interactive features allow users to click to see information about the relocation including the species of bear, general reason and the date of latest relocation.

For years, FWP has posted relocation information on its website. This will continue, and the Bear Relocation Dashboard will simply be another resource for the public.

This is FWP’s third dashboard related to bear management. Along with the Bear Relocation Dashboard, FWP developed the Grizzly Bear Mortality Dashboard last year and the Grizzly Bear Conflict Dashboard earlier this summer.

“These tools are useful for the public to understand what’s happening with bears around the state,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “The expansion of grizzly bears both in numbers and in distribution has a real impact on the lives of Montanans across bear country. Keeping people informed about what FWP is doing with bears continues to be a top priority for me.”

Not only do these new dashboards help keep the public informed, they provide insight into the reason that bear conflict occurs and tools that FWP uses to help landowners and communities reduce conflicts.

The Relocation Dashboard provides general locations for areas where FWP staff have relocated bears. Details of each location can be found by clicking on “Table” at the top of the dashboard.

Grizzly bears remain federally protected in the Lower 48 under the Endangered Species Act. This protection remains despite populations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (GYE) and the Northern Continental Divide Ecosystem (NCDE) growing well past recovery goals. Montana, Idaho and Wyoming petitioned the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to delist grizzly bears.

FWP is required by law to inform the county and tribal government within 24 hours of which the grizzly bear or black bear is to be relocated. Grizzly bears can only be relocated by FWP to sites approved by the Fish and Wildlife Commission. Under state law, grizzly bears that cause conflicts outside of designated recovery zones cannot be relocated by FWP staff. The dashboard only reflects bears relocated by FWP.

For more information on grizzly and black bear conflict prevention and management, FWP has many web-based resources for communities, landowners and recreationists. A link to the Grizzly Bear Conflict Dashboard can be found on the grizzly bear management webpage.

Valley County, Glasgow, MT
Wednesday, July 30, 2025

1. Additions/Deletions
2. Public Comment on Agenda Items
3. Action on Employment/Termination Notices
4. Consider choosing an on-call engineer for Valley County
5. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

Dashboard Link

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) today introduced the new Forestry and Fuels Project Activity Tracker. The interactive dashboard displays active and ongoing forestry treatments, areas where DNRC has increased fire preparedness resources such as staff, equipment or technology, as well as fire preparedness and prevention plans across the State of Montana.

“As the DNRC continues to prioritize wildfire risk reduction and forest management, this tool empowers stakeholders and citizens to understand what actions are being taken across Montana’s 23 million acres of forests,” said DNRC Director Amanda Kaster.

The dashboard details ongoing projects the agency has across Montana to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health including on state trust lands, collaborative efforts on federal lands through the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA), private partnerships through the Forest Stewardship Program and wildfire protection efforts.

“With transparency in mind, this interactive tool is designed to help Montanans understand the cumulative impacts of DNRC’s intentional forest management across programs and ownerships,” said Ali Ulwelling, DNRC statewide Forest Action Plan coordinator. “Additionally, the dashboard allows users to filter projects across several criteria to better visualize the efforts taking place at local levels.”

In response to cooler temperatures and recent moisture, all fire restrictions have been lifted on private, state, and federal lands in Phillips County. This change is effective at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 1, 2025.

Fire managers would like to remind the public there still exists the potential for wildfire and even with fire restrictions being lifted the accidental start of wildfire can still be devastating. Be alert and be aware. Follow these tips to help prevent wildfires:
• NEVER leave a campfire unattended
• Keep water, dirt and a shovel near your fire always
• Make sure your fire is dead out and cold to the touch before you leave it.

Do your part to keep north-central Montana safe from wildfire. For more information on restrictions, visit: https://www.mtfireinfo.org/

The Lewistown Area Restrictions Group would like to remind the people working and recreating outdoors to please continue to use caution to decrease the chance of human-caused fires and avoid resource and property damage. Anyone who causes a wildland fire intentionally or through negligence may be held accountable for damage and fire suppression costs. Normal field activities such as off-road vehicle travel, smoking, the use of fires for warming and cooking, and even the firing of weapons can readily start fires under the right conditions.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is offering opportunities for hunter, bowhunter, and trapper education courses in Glasgow in August ahead of the fall season.

Aug. 4, 11-15: Hunter education in-person course

An in-person class will be held at the Glasgow headquarters on the evenings of August 4 and 11-14, with a field day on August 15.

In-person, instructor-led hunter education classroom courses are available to anyone age 10 and older and provide new hunters with a personal, hands-on learning experience. Go here to learn more and register: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/227874

If there are any questions, please contact course instructor Marc Kloker at 406-228-3704 (office) or 406-942-2974 (cell).
==
Aug. 10: Trapper education field day for online students

A field day for persons turning 12 and over who have completed the online trapper education course will be held Sunday, Aug. 10, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Glasgow FWP headquarters.

Field day participants must complete the online course prior to attending the field day. The online course can be found at here . Click on the “register for online course” and use the code MTweR65FJw24 and the course will be free to anyone 11 years and older. The online course takes about 5-6 hours to complete.

This is the only trapper education field day offered in northeast Montana this year, so interested new trappers looking for a field day should make every effort to attend. Go here to learn more and register: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/232617

New this year is the trapper apprentice program for those ages 10 and over. Find out more here
==
Aug. 24: Field day for online hunter education students, Glasgow FWP headquarters

A field day for students ages 12-17 who have completed an online hunter education course will take place on Aug. 24, from 1-5 p.m. at Glasgow FWP headquarters. Go here to learn more and register: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/232615
==
Aug. 24: Field day for online bowhunter education students, Glasgow FWP headquarters

A field day for students ages 12-17 who have completed an online bowhunter education course will take place on Aug. 24, from 3-7 p.m. at Glasgow FWP headquarters. Go here to learn more and register: https://www.register-ed.com/events/view/232614

Note: The online courses for hunter and bowhunter education (course fees apply) need to be completed before signing up for the field day. Students aged 18 and over are not required to attend a field day but are welcome to if space allows.

If there are any questions, please contact course instructor Marc Kloker at 406-228-3704 (office) or 406-942-2974 (cell).

(FWP Press Release)
FORT PECK – What do bats do at night? Aerobatics! Join Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and the US Army Corps of Engineers and Fort Peck Interpretive Center to learn about and observe the fascinating world of bats and how they are important to our local ecosystem! The bat walk will take place beginning at the Downstream Campground Amphitheater, starting at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, August 1.

To kick things off, FWP biologist Nicole Hussey will deliver a presentation on bats and their importance in our ecosystem. This will be immediately followed by a “bat walk” around the Downstream Nature Trail in search of bats as they begin their nighttime hunting. Staff will provide a variety of “bat detecting” devices so you will be able to “hear” the bats hunting and navigating, and other equipment to “see” their echolocation calls on iPads!

Everyone is welcome to this event, but any youngsters under the age of 12 are encouraged to be accompanied by an adult. Some suggested items to bring include a flashlight/headlamp or glow sticks, bug spray, and sturdy walking shoes. We will see you there!

Valley View Home will have its annual barbecue this Thursday (July 31st) from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

They'll have blow-up water slides, corn hole, food, 50/50, silent auction items, and a bake sale! It's all donation-based, and proceeds go to the residents' "Fill A Stocking Fund".

They'll also be giving away free school supplies for the first 200 kids, and opening their time capsule at 6 p.m. This time capsule was buried in the year 2000.

This week's Yard Of The Week award goes to Roxanne Plummer located at 1026 6th Ave S. Roxanne does a beautiful job mixing bright annual pots with perennial flower plantings and a large healthy vegetable garden in her side yard. No matter what angle you view her yard from, you can see all the time and effort that goes into keeping this house at the end of the road looking magnificent.

Recipients receive $25 in Chamber Big Bucks for this recognition. If you would like to nominate someone for Yard of the Week, please call the City Office at 406-228-2476 or email Utility Billing Clerk Administrative/ Assistant Hillary Buechler at bbuechler@cityofglasgowmt.com . Please note that winners are rotated between the three wards when awarding Yard Of The Week.