Residential customers of NorthWestern Energy will be paying less on their monthly electric bills for now — even though the utility tried to “over-charge” them, according to regulatory staff.

The Montana Public Service Commission on Tuesday voted 4-0 to approve an interim order that temporarily lowers electric rates by roughly $8 a month for the typical customer and increases natural gas rates by $4.38 a month.

In a statement, PSC President Jim Brown said the rates for customers are “fair and justified.” The order commissioners approved said it also ensures NorthWestern’s financial health.

The PSC said most changes will go into effect Dec. 1.

“Going into the holiday season this year, electricity bills will be going down for NorthWestern’s electricity customers in the interim period, more than offsetting a smaller increase in their natural gas bills,” Brown said in a statement from the PSC.

The Public Service Commission took up the interim rate request as part of a larger NorthWestern Energy rate case. The company had requested a temporary increase of $1.40 on an electric bill, but the PSC approved a $7.96 decrease for the typical residential customer.

At a hearing Tuesday, members of the Public Service Commission heard again about the financial pain Montanans are experiencing buying food at the grocery store and heating their homes.

Lawyer Pamela Poon of Bozeman said she works with families who count pennies even though they work multiple jobs. Poon said she knows of children who wear down jackets indoors because of the cost of heat, and families who use their ovens for heat.

In urging the PSC to oppose the interim rate increase, Poon said many of those families don’t have much of a voice, and they may not have made time to vote, so Public Service Commissioners might not always hear them.

“So I’m here to be a loud speaker for them to say they are really suffering,” Poon said. “I hope none of you have ever had to count the pennies and have cooked flour for dinner, which is what they sometimes have.”

The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities in Montana. It is made up of five members elected by district, currently all Republican.

In a report Tuesday, commissioners heard justifications for staff recommendations to sidestep some of NorthWestern’s requests in the interim adjustments.

“NorthWestern states that its current natural gas and electric rates do not provide an opportunity to recover its costs for providing services to customers,” said the order. “NorthWestern explains that it continues to invest in its electric and natural gas systems and services ‘while being impacted by higher interest rates and continued inflation, resulting in pressure on (its) credit metrics and continued under-earning.’”

But the PSC said it has “broad discretion” in approving interim rate adjustments, and it agreed with some of NorthWestern’s conclusions, but not all.

At the hearing, the PSC also heard the controversial methane-fired Yellowstone County Generating Station in Laurel is running and providing service to customers, and how it is part of the interim request.

A report from staff said NorthWestern had wanted to start billing customers for it with a “bridge rate” to decrease the lag time from its investment in the plant and ability to earn a fair return.

The order said the company argued that without this temporary bump, it would suffer financially.

However, PSC analysts found the “bridge rate” to be problematic. The Montana Environmental Information Center also had contested it.

As proposed by NorthWestern, the bridge rate, based on the market value of the plant at $58.5 million, would have resulted in a “significant over charge” to customers, said a PSC staff memo.

Additionally, NorthWestern didn’t adjust the rate when it became aware that only part of the plant would be operating, with two of 18 units not yet online, the memo said.

The staff memo also raised another concern with that dollar amount. It said NorthWestern proposed the revenue requirement for the plant to be $42.8 million, but it proposed a bridge rate that was $15.7 million more, without justification.

“In NorthWestern’s proposal, shareholders receive the entire difference between YCGS’s forecasted benefit and the (base), at the expense of ratepayers,” the memo said.

However, the order said the PSC finds it appropriate for the utility to address some costs associated with the plant in the interim increase for electric rates because it’s “currently uncompensated” for YCGS. It said the plant appears to be running and is expected to continue to operate and provide electric service to customers.

However, the order said the PSC is granting those costs only on a temporary basis, and a full “prudency” review, or a look at whether the plant is a prudent investment, will still take place with “considerable investigation.”

In its decision Tuesday, the Public Service Commission granted NorthWestern the interim rate increase it had requested for natural gas, with all present members voting yes, and Commissioner Randy Pinocci absent.

If granted in the future, the full rate request from NorthWestern would lead to an 8.28% hike in electric bills for residential customers, or $9.11. For natural gas, the full increase would be $8.84, or 17%.

Last year, the Public Service Commission approved steep rate increases for both NorthWestern Energy and Montana Dakota Utilities, despite significant pushback from members of the public.

Commissioners have argued part of their job is to ensure NorthWestern Energy stays financially healthy, although members of the public have said its top executives continue to earn, and the company continues to make profits.

In a statement after the vote Tuesday, however, Brown acknowledged the public sentiment.

“The entire commission recognizes that Montanans have been facing historically high prices for everything from housing to health care, food to insurance, diesel fuel and gasoline for the last four years,” Brown said.

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

The 32nd Annual Thanksgiving Day Dinner will be held Thurs. Nov. 28th at Glasgow Senior Citizens Center, located at 328 4th Street South. Last year 150 people enjoyed the dinner with hopes of exceeding that number, this coming year.

Over the past 30 years approximately 5,400 people have enjoyed the event. There is always plenty of food & no one goes home hungry. Everyone is invited & encouraged to bring their families & friends to enjoy a delicious feast including turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, yams, cranberry sauce & of course pumpkin pie.

Provided by community volunteers & supported by Glasgow Senior Citizens Center, every year several volunteers gather to prepare & serve the meal, which will be served from 12noon - 2p.m. The list of volunteers includes members of GHS Student Council, Irle School 3rd Graders, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Rod Karst, Deb Partridge & other enthusiastic individuals.

Even though the meal is served at the Senior Citizens Center, it is not limited to senior citizens. The meal is free of charge & is open to everyone. There will be no carry-out or deliveries available. If you have not attended in the past, make plans to enjoy an afternoon of fellowship & food. This is a great way for small families & individuals to partake in the social atmosphere of a traditional Thanksgiving Dinner without cooking & cleaning up!

The National Weather Service held its weather-ready monthly briefing on Tuesday.

The current month's temperature trends show that despite the cold weather the past few days, Glasgow has been slightly above average for November 1 through November 25th.

As of Tuesday, November precipitation was two-tenths above average; for the year, Glasgow is about 1.2 inches behind for the year, at 11.76 inches of moisture. The latest drought monitor report still rates Valley County as abnormally dry.

The 8-14 day temperature outlook looks to be leaning above normal for northeast Montana while the precipitation outlook is for above-normal amounts. The seasonal temperature outlook through February is for below normal and the seasonal precipitation forecast through February is leaning above normal.

FORT PECK- Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 6 Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) will meet from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3, at the Fort Peck Multispecies Fish Hatchery in Fort Peck for a legislative open house.

The public is welcome to attend, and local legislators and commissioners have been invited as well. The main purpose of this meeting is for FWP Helena staff to share with legislators, CAC members, and the public the legislative proposals that involve FWP, the FWP budget, and to answer any questions on these or other related topics. The meeting will be conducted as follows:

9:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Region 6 CAC updates and CAC roundtable
12 p.m.-1 p.m. Lunch for CAC members, invited guests, and FWP staff
1 p.m.-3 p.m. Legislative open house: FWP Helena staff will present topics and bills related to the upcoming legislative session and FWP budget
Members of the public are encouraged to attend the afternoon session for the legislative open house but are welcome at the morning session as well.

Each of FWP’s seven administrative regions has a volunteer CAC to help guide policies and programs. The Region 6 group meets three to four times a year.

FWP ensures that its meetings are fully accessible to persons with disabilities. To request special accommodations for this meeting, please contact 406-228-3700.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), in collaboration with Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), will adjust hours of operation at ports of entry (POEs) in Montana beginning at midnight, Jan. 6, 2025.

This will allow CBP to enhance border security while facilitating legitimate cross-border trade and travel. CBP officers will be deployed to busier ports of entry, enabling the agency to use its resources most effectively for its critical national security and border security missions.

These adjustments have been made in close coordination with CBSA, to ensure aligned operational hours that further the security of both countries.

CBP continually monitors operations, traffic patterns and volume, and analyzes the best use of resources to better serve the traveling public. CBP will remain engaged with local and regional stakeholders, as well as communities to ensure consistent communication and to address concerns.

The vast majority of the 118 northern border ports of entry will continue to operate at existing hours, including many with 24/7 operations. Locate ports of entry and access border wait times here.

The following are the new permanent POE hours of operation:

Scobey will expand its operating hours:

8 a.m.-9 p.m., June 1 to Sept. 15 and

9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sept. 16 to May 31

Opheim will expand its operating hours and days to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. seven days a week.

Del Bonita will permanently maintain current hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Morgan will permanently maintain current hours of 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday

Message from the Valley County Hope Project:

Thank you to everyone who supported our 2024 Festival of Trees .. we raised around $18,000 to HOPE (Help Others Pay Expenses )

The Valley County Hope Project is a 501c3 group that was set up to assist residents of Valley County, Montana with their financial hardships due to medical expenses. We rely on the donations (which are tax deductible) from the community for our funding.

– The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and its partners, Sletten Construction and Morrison-Maierle, replaced eight timber bridges during the 2024 construction season through the Timber Bridges-Glasgow Area project. A total of 15 timber bridges have been replaced in the past two years as part of this effort. The final bridge replacement for the project is expected to be completed in summer 2025.

“Completing these bridge replacements enhances travel safety, reinforces Montana’s infrastructure, and keeps our economy moving forward,” Shane Mintz, MDT Glendive District Administrator, said. “Since the initiation of this project and the innovative bridge bundling program implemented to accelerate the replacement process, additional timber bridge bundling projects have been launched. We are dedicated to carrying out these essential replacements as quickly and efficiently as possible.”

The Timber Bridges-Glasgow Area project was the first MDT project to utilize the bridge bundling program, which streamlines the design and construction of multiple bridges under a single design-build contract. Design consulting firm Morrison-Maierle has worked alongside Sletten Construction from the beginning, allowing the bundled projects to move more efficiently from design to construction. This partnership has allowed the project team to develop better solutions, reduce project costs, and maintain quality while expediting project delivery.

“Sletten Construction is proud of the exceptional efforts of our team members and our partner, Morrison-Maierle, in achieving so much within such a short timeframe. We are excited to begin work to replace the final bridge in this project,” said Russell Robertson, Bridge Division Manager at Sletten Construction. “We greatly appreciate the community’s continued patience and support as we complete this final phase.”

The timber bridges replaced this year include bridges on US Highway 2 (US 2), 6 miles, 7 miles, and 12 miles northwest of Glasgow; Montana Highway 248 (MT 248), a half mile west of Four Buttes; Montana Highway 24 (MT 24), 18 miles and 25 miles west of Opheim and 6 miles north of Glasgow; and Montana Highway 251 (MT 251), 20 miles northeast of Poplar.

This winter, work will begin on a detour next to the West Fork Poplar River Bridge on MT 248, 2 miles east of Richland. This is the final bridge scheduled for replacement through the project. Work will occur as weather allows and minimal traffic disruption is expected.

Attention Glasgow residents:

It is that time of the year again when we need to start preparing for the winter snow. As per city ordinance 18-62 (c) No person who owns or has possession, custody or control of any camper, RV or watercraft shall park such camper, RV, or watercraft on any street or alley of this city from December 1st through March 31st.

The city wants to thank those who have already removed their trailers. This will aid the city in snow removal this winter.

The American Red Cross was in Glasgow this week for blood drives at the VFW and FMDH. Here is the recap!

Glasgow Community Drive at VFW
66 units Tuesday
47 units Wednesday
Both days the donors exceeded goals for a total of 27 additional units over goal total! Way to end the year strong!

FMDH
44 units on Tuesday
3 over goal

Upcoming drives:
February 11 & 12, 2025
April 22 & 23rd

From City of Glasgow Water Department:

The City of Glasgow realizes that the November 21, 2024 water bills have been emailed out twice.

There was a glitch in our email system that caused this error. We apologize for any confusion

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Nov. 22, 2024 CONTACT: Mitch Staley, Montana Department of Commerce HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 26 local safety agencies will share more than $1.4 million of grant funding to support tourism-related emergency service projects in rural areas. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Emergency Tourism Assistance Grant Program. “Emergency services are critical in rural areas of the state that may have experienced an increase in visitation recently,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “At Commerce, we’re proud to support first responders and others who help save lives and improve public safety in our rural communities.” The METAP program is designed to support services provided by public or private safety agencies including law enforcement, firefighting and ambulance or medical services.

The following will receive METAP grant funding:

• 15-90 Search and Rescue will receive $42,140 for the purchase of a Polaris utility terrain vehicle with tracks to assist with search and rescue efforts.

• Beaverhead Rural Fire District #2 will receive $69,344.31 for the purchase of a Type 5 wildland fire engine.

• The Big Horn County Search and Rescue will receive $65,948.72 for the purchase of a drone, two Polaris Rangers and a Medlite transport bed to aid in search and rescue efforts.

• The City of Big Timber Volunteer Fire Department will receive $47,440 for the purchase of a generator and construction of a concrete mounting pad.

• Cooke City Silver Gate Emergency Services will receive $75,000 for the purchase of an emergency services wildland fire truck.

• The Dillon Police Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a patrol vehicle. • Elkhorn Search and Rescue will receive $75,000 for the purchase of an enclosed trailer, a Polaris Expedition ADV side-by-side and communication radios.

• Jefferson City Volunteer Fire Department will receive $9,232.05 for the purchase of clothing and rescue outfitting for firefighters.

• The City of Libby Police Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a police vehicle.

• The Libby Volunteer Fire Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a self-contained breathing apparatus compressor system and fill station.

• The Northeast STAT Ambulance Cooperative will receive $46,693.08 for the purchase of an advanced monitor/defibrillator to upgrade emergency services equipment.

• The Paradise Valley Fire and Emergency Services will receive $57,395 for the purchase of rescue and extrication tools.

• The Park County Sheriff’s Office will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a patrol truck and emergency equipment for the vehicle.

• The Philipsburg Volunteer Fire Department will receive $75,000 for the purchase of a fire engine and supporting equipment.

• The City of Polson Fire Department will receive $66,000s for the purchase of advanced life support equipment, including cardiac monitors and Lucas auto-pulse devices.

• The City of Polson Police Department will receive $50,701 for the purchase of two trailers, a variable message sign and supporting equipment.

• Red Lodge Fire & Rescue Department will receive $64,478.76 for the purchase of mobile command and communication equipment.

• Richland County Search and Rescue will receive $27,196.40 for the purchase of search and rescue trailer and equipment.

• The Roundup Volunteer Fire Department will receive $57,798 for the purchase of extrication equipment for fire response vehicles.

• Sanders County will receive $62,858.25 for the purchase of a police vehicle.

Seeley-Swan Search and Rescue will receive $21,075 for the purchase of a search and rescue snowmobile.

• The Sheridan Volunteer Fire Department will receive $4,000 for the purchase of emergency incident signs, hi-visibility vests and personal lights.

• The City of Thompson Falls will receive $65,814.25 for the purchase of a police vehicle.

• The City of Thompson Falls will receive $75,000 for the purchase of two police vehicles.

• The Thompson Falls Rural Fire Department will receive $61,685 for the purchase of extrication tools and accessories to assist with emergency responses.

• The Town of West Yellowstone will receive $66,756 for the purchase of a police vehicle.

Eligible applicants for METAP funding include rural incorporated cities or towns, counties, consolidated governments, tribal governments and any entity that provides emergency services or response units to a rural area. METAP is a state-funded opportunity authorized by the 2023 Legislature’s enactment of Senate Bill 540.

In October the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) installed a new permanent air quality monitor in Glasgow, expanding the availability of relevant, valuable and timely air quality information to Valley County residents.

Installation of the Glasgow monitor marked the completion of work supported by an EPA-administered award for Enhanced Continuous Ambient Air Monitoring. The grant was used to establish new permanent air quality stations in Havre, Glendive, Choteau and Glasgow. Existing monitoring sites in Dillon, Cut Bank and Billings Lockwood also received equipment upgrades. Data from the monitors is now available through DEQ’s Today’s Air website and EPA’s AirNow Fire and Smoke map.

Given that wildfire smoke is a principal public health concern from air pollution in Montana, DEQ used the grant to focus on enhancing wildfire smoke monitoring capabilities. Wildfire smoke is measured by tracking tiny particles, known as PM2.5. Due to a number of factors, such as the location of the fire, local weather patterns and land formations, wildfire smoke can vary from community to community. The new monitors make information about local PM2.5 concentrations readily available to more Montanans, enabling them to make informed decisions about air quality and their health. Before installation of the Glasgow monitor, Malta and Sidney were the closest federally certified monitoring sites.

Montana’s Air Quality Monitoring Program works with local agencies to measure air quality throughout the state. Network enhancements advance DEQ’s commitment to maintain an adaptive monitoring network and to provide the best possible assessment of smoke impacts to all Montanans.

The purpose of Montana’s ambient air monitoring network is to measure, track, and report outdoor air quality conditions statewide as specified by the Montana and Federal Clean Air Acts. Data provides the basis for regulatory decisions and delivers air quality information to local governments, schools and the public.

To find out more about Montana’s Air Quality Programs or to view data from Glasgow’s air quality monitor on Today’s Air visit: deq.mt.gov/air

Story from Northern Plains Independent:

Wolf Point School Board trustees discussed possible options of improving the district’s elementary schools during a planning meeting held on Wednesday, Nov. 13.

The option that trustees approved was a plan to demolish South Side School and build a new preK-fifth grade school at the Southside location. Northside could then be used for teacher housing, other educational functions or possibly be sold.

Cost of the option is estimated to be about $60 million, according to figures from McKinstry Montana.

A key to the school officials’ plans is how much funding a grant would supply the school district for the project. Superintendent of Schools Dr. David Perkins said applications for the grant opens in March.

“We have to do planning to get there,” Perkins said at the beginning of Wednesday’s meeting. “That’s what this discussion is about.”

Board chair Roxanne Gourneau feels it’s important to “reach for the stars” when applying for the grant.

“We have to maximize everything we want, because we know we won’t get it,” Gourneau said.

Perkins explained that a key to getting grant funding is to justify the needs of the school district.

The superintendent says that if the school district doesn’t get everything it wants financially, then the board needs to come back and make decisions.

Other possible sources of funding included the impact aid fund, getting a loan through the impact aid fund and requesting a bond election.

Perkins said impact aid funding is a continuing battle to keep for schools. “There’s nothing that ties that down,” he said.

When the question was asked why school officials preferred building a prek-grade 5 school rather than a prek-grade 3 school, answers included a long-term savings of having one building instead of two buildings. Safety was another benefit as the school district will need to protect two buildings rather than three buildings. Perkins also mentioned busing and curriculum benefits.

Trustee Trenton Wemmer said it also gives trustees options regarding Northside School.

Trustees agreed early on in the meeting that it makes more sense financially and in the long run to have a new building rather than renovate existing buildings.

Also, during the meeting, trustees discussed renovation or replacement of the track. Activities director Eric Peterson said the current track is 25 years old and hasn’t been resurfaced since 2008.

Because of the track’s poor condition, Wolf Point will not have any home track meets this school year.

“If you take a leaf blower, you can take the top of the track off,” Perkins said.

Trustees requested more information regarding options for the track prior to making a decision.

Constituent Letter from Senator Gregg Hunter and Representative Valerie Moore

What a week in Helena! We just returned from orientation, which was overwhelming, yet exhilarating. Here we had the opportunity to meet our new colleagues, receive our committee assignments, and engage in training sessions designed to prepare us for the 69th Montana Legislature. During the week, we also participated in the election of our legislative leaders, setting the tone and direction for the upcoming session. It was inspiring to see a shared commitment among legislators to address the pressing issues facing Montanans.

Our focus is clear: to advocate for the hardworking families, farmers, ranchers, and small businesses that are the backbone of our rural communities. We understand that thriving communities require strong schools, well-equipped hospitals, modern infrastructure, and a supportive environment where people of all ages can succeed. Sustaining these cornerstones is at the heart of our mission.

Representative Moore:

As your elected representative, I have been assigned to serve on the Health and Human Services and Taxation Committees. The HHS Committee will allow me to work to secure healthcare funding to preserve Montana’s network of critical access hospitals, which are vital lifelines for rural communities, ensuring access to essential care for everyone no matter where they live.

This role will also allow me to focus on long-term behavioral health investments that address the mental health crisis impacting families across Montana.

The Taxation Committee allows me to advocate for Montana citizens in another area of great concern; a meaningful, lasting property tax reform that eases the burden on homeowners and small businesses while shoring up our education system.

Senator Hunter:

In the Senate, I have been appointed to the Energy and Telecommunications, Executive Review, and Highways and Transportation Committees. These assignments provide a platform to advocate for generational broadband infrastructure investments—ensuring every Montanan has access to reliable, high-speed internet—and to address critical transportation needs that connect our rural communities to resources and opportunities. As part of the Executive Review Committee, I will work closely with the governor to continue cutting red tape, lowering taxes, and improving government efficiency, ensuring that state government works better for all Montanans.

We believe this legislative session offers a unique opportunity to make generational investments that strengthen the foundations of rural Montana. Broadband infrastructure, accessible behavioral and physical healthcare services, and meaningful tax reform are not just policies—they are tools to secure a brighter future for our region and the generations to come.

We are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us to serve as your voice in Helena and it is a tremendous honor to represent Northeast Montana and to ensure that the values and priorities of our region are strongly represented at the state capitol.

As we prepare for the legislative session, we want to hear from you our constituents as your insights are invaluable as we begin this journey to represent you, the people.

Sincerely,

Representative Valerie Moore, HD29 email: Valerie.Moore@legmt.gov

Senator Gregg Hunter, SD15 email: Gregg.Hunter@legmt.gov

Montana Department of Revenue staff told a legislative committee Monday that next year’s reappraisal cycle could produce a partial repeat of last year’s jarring tax spike as the state’s surging real estate market continues to translate into higher residential taxes.

The department expects the market value of the average Montana residential property to be reappraised at 21% higher when it completes next year’s reappraisal cycle. A staff economist said Monday that if the Legislature doesn’t rebalance state tax statutes, the higher values will likely result in the average residential tax bill rising by 11% next fall while taxes stay roughly constant or fall on other types of property.

Last year’s reappraisal cycle saw the median residential property value increase by about 40%, producing a 21% increase in the median tax bill, according to a Montana Free Press analysis of revenue department data.

Most property taxes in Montana are calculated proportionally to a property’s share of a town, county or school district’s overall tax base, meaning a $600,000 house will, in theory, pay twice as much of the local school’s electricity bill than a $300,000 house next door. As such, when residential property values rise relative to other types of property (stores or farm fields, for example) residences end up shouldering a greater share of the tax burden.

Monday’s presentation by department staff, an exercise required by state law in advance of each reappraisal cycle, also detailed how lawmakers could tweak conversion rates embedded in the state tax code to rebalance the tax system by shifting less burden onto homes and more onto property classes that have seen slower value growth. Those rates determine how much of a property’s market value is converted to taxable value, the figure that is actually fed into the broader property tax formula.

Higher property tax bills are hitting homeowners across Montana this year as the state’s tax system shudders into a new alignment following the first reappraisal cycle using tax appraisals reflecting the explosive growth in Montana home values during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Those higher bills for residential properties appear to be the result of higher local and state-level tax collections, as well as how the Montana Department of Revenue’s valuations for residential properties have spiked while its valuations for some industrial and utility properties have declined, a dynamic that pushes more tax burden onto homeowners.

Currently, for example, residential properties have 1.35% of their market value converted to taxable value. Revenue department staff have calculated that dialing that rate down to 1.11%, would reduce residential taxes and increase taxes on other property types enough to, on average, offset the effect of rising home values for the upcoming reappraisal cycle.

Other findings from the department’s Monday committee presentation include the following:

The revenue department expects commercial property values to rise by 8.3% and agricultural property values by 5.4% in next year’s reappraisal cycle.

While eastern Montana counties were generally spared the dramatic residential appraisal increases seen across western Montana in the last appraisal cycle, the department expects many of them to catch up this time around. Residential property values in Scobey’s Daniels County, for example, are expected to rise by 31% in the new cycle, while values in Bozeman’s Gallatin County rise a comparatively moderate 10%.

Valley County would see a projected increase of 20% for residential properties and 15% increase for commercial properties.

As such, eastern Montana communities would likely see the highest tax bill increases next year if lawmakers leave the tax statute governed by current law. The department projects that residential property taxes in Carter County, for example, could rise by 23%. In Fergus County, around Lewistown, they could rise by 17%.

While Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte and prominent lawmakers from both parties have said addressing rising homeowner property taxes is a top priority when the Legislature convenes early next year, it’s unclear precisely what form those efforts will take or how much of past or future tax increases they might offset.

Gianforte and some legislative allies have, for example, pitched a “homestead exemption” proposal that would seek to lower residential property taxes on primary residences, including long-term rentals, by raising taxes on second homes and vacation rentals. Gianforte said last week he believes that approach, which would involve tweaking the market-to-taxable conversion rates, could reduce homeowners’ property taxes by 15%.

A tax bill that rises by 11% next year on top of last year’s 21% typical increase would place a 34% cumulative increase on the property owner.

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate reached its 40th consecutive month of unemployment at or below 3.4%. In October, Montana’s unemployment rate was 3.3%, while the national rate was 4.1%.

“Since 2020, Montanans have consistently said they want pro-jobs, pro-family, pro-business policies,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Working with the legislature, we’ve delivered. We must build on our momentum by help hardworking taxpayers keep more of what they earn, recruit new investment, and create more good-paying jobs so that every Montanan can reach the American dream.”

The state’s historic stretch of low unemployment continues to break records. The next closest stretch was during 2006 and 2007, when the state’s unemployment rate remained at or below 3.4% for 15 months.

The unemployment rate in Valley County in October was 2% with a total of 3911 employed in the county and 29 receiving unemployment benefits.

Total employment increased slightly in October. Montana has added over 11,000 payroll jobs since January, led by growth in the healthcare, retail trade, and construction industries. In a recent report, the Montana Department of Labor and Industry announced that under Gov. Gianforte’s leadership, Montana’s labor force reached a record high of 580,000 people in 2023, with more than 10,000 Montanans entering the labor force last year alone.

October marked the fourth consecutive month that consumer prices rose 0.2% as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). The all-items index rose 2.6% for the 12 months ending in October. Core inflation, or the index for all-items less food and energy, rose 0.3% in October for a 12-month increase of 3.3.%. The indexes for shelter rose 0.4% contributed to more than 50% of October's monthly all items increase.

The Glasgow Caring Hands announces the annual Block of Bucks collection day is Fri. Dec. 6th. The annual program provides clothing for Valley County children from infant to 17 years of age.

Parents may sign up at the Caring Hands Thrift Store, located at 227 4th St. S. Sign-ups begin Mon. Nov. 18th, & continue through Fri. Nov. 29th at 4p.m. Parents must sign up in person; calls will not be accepted. No applications will be accepted after Fri. Nov. 29th at 4p.m.

Applications MUST be picked up & returned to the Thrift Store. There will be no other location where forms may be picked up or turned in. Donations are needed to fund the clothes shopping event & are deeply appreciated.

They may be mailed prior to the collection day to: Caring Hands, Box 961, Glasgow, MT 59230. Volunteers are also needed to help families shop Sat. Dec. 7th. Please call Linda Sundby, 406-480-5339, if you are willing to help, or if you have any questions.

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

The Valley County Commissioners will have their regular meeting on Wednesday, November 20th at 10:30am.

The Glasgow School Board voted to appoint veteran school board member Ryan Fast to an open Trustee position on the Glasgow School Board.

On Tuesday, the school board welcomed Fast back to the board after he had retired in May of this year having served 6 years on the board. Fast replaces Angie Page who had resigned earlier this month.

Fast will serve until May of 2025, when an election will be held for the remainder of Page's term which expires in May of 2026.

Page had served as Board Chair which left that position vacant. The school board voted to promote Vice-Chair Blaine White to Chair of the Board and and Chrissa Nelson as Vice-Chair.

In other action at the board meeting on Tuesday, the school board noted the retirement of Technology and Vocational teacher James Stone effective 1/7/25 and the resignation of Justice Steel who served as the Mechanic/Transportation Coordinator.

The School Board approved the hiring of Cody Tarver as the new Mechanic/Transportation Coordinator and Ruth Vandall as Irle School Title I Teacher.

What is the cost of living in Montana? doxo breaks down key insights about Montana’s household expenses, with a close look into how bills differ between towns and cities across the state.

According to doxo’s The Cost of Bills Index™ (COBI), the average household in Montana pays $1,994 in monthly expenses. doxoINSIGHTS compares the cost of the ten most common household bills across different regions. This includes Utilities, Cable & Phone, Mobile Phone, Auto Loans, Auto Insurance, Life Insurance, Health Insurance, Alarm & Security, Rent, and Mortgage.

The data sheds light on Montana’s cost of living through other metrics as well. For example, the “percent of household income” data point shows what percentage of their household income residents spend on bills each month.

By leveraging these tools, residents can gain a clearer understanding of their household expenses and optimize their financial planning.

Montana ranks as the 30th most expensive state in the US for household bills.

According to doxo’s COBI report, Montana is ranked as the 30th most expensive state in the U.S. for household bills, making it the least expensive state for these expenses.

At $23,931 per year, Montana’s household expenses, on average, are 6% lower than the US average of $25,513.

Absolute dollar amounts don’t tell the full story, however. doxo’s “Percentage of Household Income” data provides a more proportional look at bill spending in a particular location. Montana households spend 36% of their income on bills.

COBI helps consumers understand how much it costs to live in one area as compared to another as it relates to the most common household bills. For COBI, the number 100 represents the national average and then, states, counties and cities are assigned a number, either above or below 100, based on how they compare to the national average. The COBI for Montana is 94.

Average Bill Cost per Household: $1,994 per month
Cost of Bills Index(COBI): 94
doxoINSIGHTS State Rank: #30
Percent of Household Income Used for Bills: 36%
Compared to the National Average: 6% lower
Montana Household Expenses are 6% Lower Than the National Average
The average Montana household pays $1,994 per month in the 10 most common household bills. The least expensive of these are alarm and security bills.

On the lowest end of the spectrum, the average monthly payment for alarm and security bills in Montana is $85, compared to the national average of $85, making it the same as the average.

Monthly mortgage bills are the most significant of the 10 most common bills for Montana residents. The average monthly mortgage payment is $1,449, compared to the national average of $1,402, making it 3% more expensive.

To see the complete report: https://www.doxo.com/w/insights/montana-cities-household-expenses-highest-and-lowest/

Gov. Greg Gianforte said Wednesday the biennial budget proposal he will submit to the 2025 Legislature will include the largest tax relief in Montana’s history, while focusing on investments in public safety, education and infrastructure.

Holding a press conference at the state Capitol just a week after being reelected for a second term, Gianforte emphasized that by electing Republicans to all state and federal offices, as well as retaining GOP control in both legislative chambers, Montanans showed they want conservative leadership in the state.

“My proposition was, and remains, simple — to create more good paying jobs, open the doors of greater opportunities for all Montanans to achieve the American dream and to protect the Montana way of life. It’s a conservative vision centered on family, our communities and our way of life,” Gianforte said. “That conservative vision is what has guided our budget that we are previewing today.”

Outlining a budget built around security and prosperity for Montanan, Gianforte unveiled a pillar of his proposal to keep more money in the hands of Montanans by slashing the state’s top income tax rate from 5.9% to 4.9% over two years. His administration has lowered the top income tax rate, paid by individuals making more than $21,100, each biennium since he took office.

“We can’t and shouldn’t rest on our laurels,” Gianforte said. “That’s why my budget, this new budget, includes the largest income tax cut in state history.”

With an additional proposed expansion of the earned income tax credit, Gianforte’s plan would provide more than $850 million in permanent tax relief, he said. In addition, he proposed raising the business equipment tax exemption to $3 million, and ending the 3% administrative fee on vehicle registrations, the latter of which is estimated to save Montanans $6 million annually.

Gianforte also highlighted his plans to provide property tax relief by pursing “most of” the recommendations made by the property tax task force he established this year. The centerpiece of the package is a homestead rate cut that is estimated to lower property taxes by 15% on Montanans’ primary residence, as well as 18% on small businesses. The rate cut is projected to affect more than 200,000 primary residences and 33,000 businesses across the state. The governor said the tax burden will shift to individuals who own second homes in the state.

“Since I think we should deliver permanent property tax relief for Montanans in 2025 — not in 2026 or 2027 but in 2025 — getting this proposal across the finish line as quickly as possible is one of my top priorities in the upcoming legislative session. We need to get it done early,” Gianforte said.

The governor is proposing to pair property tax relief with large investments in public safety, education and infrastructure.

Touting a budget that “backs the blue,” Gianforte announced several big investments in law enforcement and corrections.

Among the budget proposals are $8 million for the Montana Highway Patrol to boost pay and invest in equipment and $6.5 million for corrections officers. Additional funding will support more prosecutors and DNA forensic scientists at the Montana Department of Justice, additional judges to help with caseloads, and increased victim support resources, the governor said.

Building on the Healing and Ending Addiction Through Recovery and Treatment initiative, a central tenet of his time in office, Gianforte’s budget will allocate $8 million for communities to address the opioid crisis and invest nearly $2 million in drug treatment courts.

Another large one-time expenditure will allocate $150 million to expand the state prison by building two additional pods that will add roughly 500 additional beds.

“Providing law enforcement with the tools they need to get their job done, however, doesn’t maximize public safety if we can’t put criminals away,” Gianforte said. “The fact is, too many criminals who ought to be at the state prison are filling up county jails. The fact is that there are thousands of unserved warrants because there’s not enough jail space for criminals. For the safety of our communities, we must fix this.”

Gianforte also highlighted a need to invest in public K-12 education and enact a “pro-student, pro-parent, pro-teacher education agenda.”

“Ultimately, we must ensure students and parents have access to the best education possible. That includes ensuring our teachers are paid for their work, because a worker is due the wages, and teaching is one of the most noble and rewarding professions there is,” he said.

The proposed budget includes more than $100 million to boost teacher pay, with a focus on new educators, through the TEACH Act, and increases the cap on the Big Sky Scholarship program.

In what is expected to be a strong focus during his next term in office, Gianforte also spoke about the importance of keeping kids focused while in school by removing distractions from cell phones. His budget includes $1 million to incentivize school districts to adopt phone-free policies.

Another one-time expense will allocate $81 million to the school facilities trust to address deferred maintenance and infrastructure upgrades.

“A public school system designed for effective teaching and learning is just one of the keys to developing a stronger, brighter future here in Montana,” Gianforte said.

Gianforte also highlighted additional big-picture spending goals, including helping boost housing supply, shoring up the state’s infrastructure and protecting state pensions. He added that the full budget, which will be released on Friday, will also include funding to renew Medicaid expansion, though the governor also said that renewal should come along with work requirements.

“Our budget prioritizes the health and wellbeing of our communities and most importantly, the next generation of Montanans,” Gianforte said. “Our budget keeps spending growth well below inflation. Our budget has a strong ending fund balance to protect against economic and financial uncertainty. Our budget avoids cuts and essential services. This is our path to security and prosperity.”

The governor’s full budget will be released on Friday. The following are highlights from Gianforte’s 2027 biennium budget proposal.

Reduce the state’s top income tax rate from 5.9% to 4.9%
Raise the business equipment tax exemption from $1 million $3 million
End the 3% administrative fee on vehicle registrations
Increase Montana Highway Patrol pay by $7 million
Allocate $1 million for MHP equipment
Allocate $6.5 million for correction officers pay and training
Allocate $8 million to address the opioid crisis
Allocate $2 million to drug treatment courts
$150 million to expand the state prison building
Allocate $100 million to increase teacher pay
Raise the cap on the Big Sky Scholarship to $6 million
Allocate $1 million to expedite sub division review
Put $10 million a year toward fixing bridges, with a goal of fixing 500 in five years.
Create a local disaster resiliency fund funded with $100 million
Allocate $300 million to protect state pensions

Superintendent Elsie Arntzen released Montana's preliminary fall 2024 student enrollment numbers for public schools. The Office of Public Instruction must collect enrollment data from Montana school districts every October and February according to § 20-9-311, MCA. The public school enrollment data are part of the Average Number Belonging (ANB) calculation for school funding. The funding formula is based on factors that include student enrollment on two count dates, Pupil-Instruction-Related (PIR) days, and an average school year of 180 days. ANB is used to determine multiple entitlements and funding opportunities that are used to calculate the school BASE and maximum general fund budget limits for the following fiscal year.

“A promise is a promise, which is why my top legislative ask each session has been to prioritize school funding,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “Investing in our children creates a stronger future for our great state. I appreciate all of our Montana school districts for submitting their student count data this fall.”

Montana’s preliminary adjusted student enrollment count for ANB, fall 2024 is 145,650. The 2024 preliminary public school adjusted student count for ANB decreased by 1,702 students, or 1.2%, from the fall 2023 adjusted student count for ANB. The historical fall public school adjusted student count for ANB was:

2024: 145,650
2023: 147,352
2022: 149,189
2021: 147,961
2020: 144,219
2019: 148,198

This data is considered preliminary and may change slightly over the next few weeks as school districts have until December 31st to change or certify their data.

Second half of 2024 Mobile Home Taxes are due November 30, 2024. Because November 30, 2024, is on a Saturday, taxpayers have until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, to pay the second half of the 2024 Mobile Home taxes without penalty or interest. The taxes will be considered delinquent on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, and are subject to penalty and interest, thereafter.

Payment of these taxes may be made at the Treasurer’s office at the Valley County Courthouse during regular business hours, at the Red Drop Box outside then North and East Door of the Courthouse, mailed to Valley County Treasurer, 501 Court Square #3, Glasgow, Montana 59230 or online at www.valleycountymt.net/treasurer or by calling 1-866-549-1010. The Bureau code for Valley County is 8778528.

First half of 2024 Real Estate Taxes levied and assessed are due and payable on or before 5 p.m. on November 30, 2024, or within 30 days after the tax notice is postmarked, whichever is later and unless paid prior to that time the amount due will be delinquent and will draw interest at the rate of 5/6 of 1% per month from the time of delinquency until paid and 2% will be added to the delinquent tax as a penalty. Because November 30, 2024, is on a Saturday, taxpayers have until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, to pay the first half of the 2024 Real Estate taxes without penalty or interest. Taxes will be considered delinquent on Tuesday, December 2, 2024, and will be charged penalty and interest.

Payment of these taxes may be made at the Treasurer’s office at the Valley County Courthouse during regular business hours, at the Red Drop Box outside the North and East Door of the Courthouse, mailed to Valley County Treasurer, 501 Court Square #3, Glasgow, Montana 59230 or online at www.valleycountymt.net/treasurer or by calling 1-866-549-1010. The Bureau code for Valley County is 8778528.

The Fort Peck Town Council will meet Monday, November 18th at 6pm.

On Veteran’s Day, Governor Greg Gianforte announced the recipients of the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation.

“Honoring our veterans with the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation award is a small yet meaningful way to express our profound gratitude for their sacrifice, service, and dedication to our freedoms,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we travel the state next year, we will honor 50 veterans with this award to recognize their brave service to our country and their continued commitment to their communities here in Montana.”

Relying on nominations from Montanans, the Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation recognizes outstanding Montana veterans who have selflessly served our country in uniform and made a positive impact in their community.

31 veterans received the award in 2021, 51 received in 2022, and 39 in 2023.

The 50 recipients of the 2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation will be honored in the new year with an award ceremony and receive a special commemorative flag flown over the Montana State Capitol in their honor.

2024 Montana Governor’s Veteran Commendation Recipients:

Eileen Greb of Butte – U.S. Navy, Vietnam

David King of Butte - U.S. Marine Corps, 1965-1969

Michael Taapken of Butte – U.S. Marine Corps, 1985-1993

Robert Jacobi of Stanford – U.S. Navy, Vietnam

Clifford Holmes of Ballantine – U.S. Army, Vietnam

Marvin Brodock of Fort Benton – U.S. Army, 1970-1991

Virgil Nelson of Opheim – U.S. Army, Vietnam

Donald Jones of Laurel – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam

Nancy Dezell of Hamilton – U.S. Air Force, 2013

Sandra Youngbauer of Lewistown – U.S. Army, 1975-1996

Daniel Parker of Great Falls – U.S. Air Force, 1996-2018

Shannon Wilson of Great Falls – U.S. Army, 1985-1992

William Paris of Fort Benton – U.S. Army 1989-2003

Larry Tipton of Columbus – U.S. Navy Vietnam

Larry Ross of Roundup – U.S. Army, Vietnam

Michael Alexander of Park City – U.S. Army, Vietnam

Erick Fehlberg of Eureka – U.S. Army, Vietnam

Edwin Celander of White Sulphur Springs – U.S. Army, 1953-1955

Sherman Veltkamp of Bozeman – U.S. Army Vietnam

Michael Downs of Jordan – U.S. Army, 1969-1999

Randy Kemp of Bozeman – U.S. Army, 1971-1995

Len Albright of Bozeman – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam

Arthur Widhalm of Glasgow – U.S. Air Force, 1964-1994

Bradley Barker of Luther – U.S. Army, 1994-2014

Cynthia Cohan of Butte – U.S. Air Force, 1981-2009

Dale Herd of Havre – U.S. Army, 1988-2012

Dale McKnight of Dillon – U.S. Army, Vietnam; Montana National Guard, 1975-2009

Dave Haulman of Butte – U.S. Air Force, 1979-1983

Edgar Van Vleet of Black Eagle – U.S. Army, 1965-1971

Eric Rydom of Bigfork – U.S. Army, 1980-2006

Eric Craig Bradley of Livingston – U.S. Army, 1989-2016

Frank Tuss of Great Falls – U.S. Navy, 1958-1962

Jack Favero of Divide – U.S. Navy, Vietnam; U.S. Army, 1972-1993

James Porter of Great Falls – U.S. Navy, Vietnam

Kenneth Koehler of Miles City – U.S. Marine Corps,1992-1999

Luke Opp of Kalispell – U.S. Marine Corps, 1999-2003

Mark Kassube of Denton – U.S. Air Force and Montana Air National Guard, 2001-2022

Michael Samples of Butte – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam

Michael Lawson of Butte – U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam

Mike McManus of Billings – U.S. Air Force, 1987-2007

Perry Brown of Helena – U.S Army, Vietnam

Richard Liebert of Great Falls – U.S. Army, 1977-2005

Richard Berg of Glendive – U.S. Army, Vietnam

Robert Curry of Lewistown – Montana Army National Guard, 2001-2010

Robert Longcake of Shelby – U.S. Air Force, Vietnam

Ron Milam of Missoula – U.S. Navy, Vietnam

Sharon Andersen of Dillon – U.S. Army Reserves, 1994-2002

Terri Klepper-Speasl of Coram – U.S. Army, Wyoming National Guard, 1977-1985

Theresa Watts of Clyde Park – Montana Army National Guard, 2001-2007

Todd Dunlap of Jefferson City - U.S. Navy, 1985-2008

The Glasgow School Board will have their regular meeting on Tuesday, November 12th at 6pm in the Gary F. Martin Board Room.

Cannabis sales in Valley County totaled $151,169 in the month of October according to the Montana Department of Revenue.

October sales increased from September when sales totaled $149,516 in Valley County.

Sales in Montana were $27,728,562 for October and the total amount of Montana sales since cannabis became legal in Montana totaled $893.6 million.

Yellowstone County had the highest amount of sales in the state at $4.57 million while Gallatin County had $4.234 million.

Roosevelt County had sales of $540,890 and Sheridan County had sales of $143,843.

A 2-day jury trial ended on Thursday with a jury finding Ronald "Ronnie" William Kulczyk, 54, guilty of 2 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child.

The trial was held at the Valley County Courthouse with Judge Yvonne Laird presiding. Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen prosecuted the case while Jeremy Yellin of Havre was the defense attorney representing Kulczyk.

Jury selection began on Wednesday morning with the actual trial starting in the afternoon and concluding with the jury verdict on Thursday afternoon.

The two felonies are the result of an investigation by the Glasgow Police Department that started in September of 2022 when Kulczyk made contact with an individual on a social media app. The individual, a male, had a profile indicating he was 22 years of age. The two continued communicating, and the male told Kulczyk that he was actually only 14 years of age. Over the ensuing weeks, the defendant and the male continued to be in contact, sometimes overtly discussing sexual topics.

On December 2, 2022, the male advised the defendant he would in Glasgow. The defendant asked the male to come to his home, and the two discussed sex. The defendant agreed to meet with the male at an agreed upon location, at which point he would give the male a ride to his home.

According to the original charging documents, the defendant proceeded to the location where he had agreed to meet the male but was intercepted by law enforcement and placed under arrest.

According to court documents, the defendant acknowledged he had driven to meet the male, knew the boy was not able to consent to sexual acts, and acknowledged he had spoken about sexual matters with the boy.

Kulczyk pleaded not guilty to the 2 felonies as the case took over 2 years to come to trial. Kulczyk and his attorney made several attempts to have the case dismissed but Judge Laird rejected all motions to dismiss.

After receiving instructions from the court, the jury took less than 90 minutes to reach a verdict.

Sentencing has been set for January as a pre-sentence investigation will commence over the next 2 months.

A person convicted of the offense of Sexual Abuse of Children shall be punished by life imprisonment or by imprisonment in the state prison for a term not to exceed 100 years and may be fined not more than $10,000.

Two Rivers Economic Growth is excited to invite you to our upcoming event, "Leadership and How to Thrive in 2025," a workshop designed to empower and inspire community leaders like you! Join us on November 13 from 8:30 am to noon at The Cottonwood in Glasgow.

This event is free of charge, thanks to the generosity of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana, Prairie Ridge Village, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, and AgWest Farm Credit. You can expect engaging sessions on key leadership strategies, practical insights, and opportunities for networking with other community members. Whether you're leading an organization, a business, or simply looking to enhance your skills, this workshop will provide valuable tools for thriving in any leadership role.

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, November 13
Time: 8:30 a.m. – Noon
Location: The Cottonwood, Glasgow
Cost: Free!
Space is limited, so please RSVP by Monday, November 11 to ensure your spot. You can sign up using this link: https://form.jotform.com/242734555499167

We hope you’ll join us for this energizing and impactful event. Let’s grow together and continue building a strong, thriving community!

The Nature Trail, Kiwanis Park and the Downstream Campground areas will be closed to the public from November 9th to November 13th for a special hunt. For your safety and the safety of others, please do not access any part of the trail, park or campground during this time. Signs will be posted along the trail and the gates into Kiwanis and Downstream will be shut and locked. Fishing at Winter Harbor will be accessed from the Floodplain north side only. If you have any questions, please contact a Ranger at 406-526-3411.

Firewood cutting permits are available at the US Army Corps of Engineers Administration office at 301 E Kansas in Fort Peck during regular business hours. Several dead trees have been recently cut down and are available for removal. If you have any questions, please contact a Ranger at 406-526-3411.

https://electionresults.mt.gov/

Valley County voted overwhelmingly Republican in the November General Election with a voter turnout of 80% as 4148 citizens voted in the county.

In local races, Jeff Alsberg defeated Mitch Willett 60%-40% for an open seat on the Valley County Commission.

In a contested race for House District #31, Democrat Frank Smith defeated Kevin Taylor 59%-41%. Republican Eric Albus defeated Blake Borst 77%-23% in House District #28.

House Districts in Montana encompass several counties. For example in House District #31, the district encompasses portions of Blaine County, Phillips County, Roosevelt County, and Valley County.

Story from Montana Free Press:

As of Sunday Nov. 3, more than 395,00 Montana voters had submitted their ballots for the 2024 general election, according to the secretary of state. Others spent portions of their Monday casting their votes early at county election offices using a one-time absentee option. Even more will flock to the polls Tuesday to stand at a booth and fill in the bubbles next to their candidates of choice.

How exactly do all those paper ballots transform into the official results flashed on television and computer screens come election night? The answer to that question is what keeps local election workers busy well ahead of Election Day, and well past it. It’s also something that has generated intense interest and, at times, skepticism among voters across the state.

At MTFP, where we’ve been covering election procedures for years, we spoke with local election officials in Missoula, Gallatin and Lewis and Clark counties to help readers better understand how votes are being counted this week.

In the case of absentee ballots submitted via mail and in person, the count is already underway in many parts of the state. Montana election law allows counties with more than 8,000 registered voters or more than 5,000 absentee voters to process absentee ballots three business days ahead of an election and to begin counting those ballots the Monday before Election Day. That work starts with county staff and volunteers sorting ballots based on the mix of district- and precinct-specific races listed on them, then marking ballots as “received” in the state’s election system.

From there, the signature on each absentee ballot envelope is verified against past examples of a voter’s signature in the state system. Any discrepancies are reviewed by multiple election workers, and, if a signature is missing or rejected, the county attempts to contact the voter directly to resolve the issue. Once a signature is accepted, the secrecy envelope containing the ballot is removed from the signature envelope. The ballot itself is later removed from the deidentified secrecy envelope, flattened out and kept secure alongside the other ballots in its batch until they’re sent to an electronic tabulating machine for vote counting. Each of those steps is recorded on a sheet that accompanies each bundle of ballots through the entire process.

A similar process will be applied tomorrow across Montana to ballots cast at the polls, where voters will deposit their completed ballots in collection boxes. The number of ballots collected in those boxes will be recorded throughout the day, and, once the polls close at 8 p.m., election workers will verify the totals. In many counties, the collection boxes will then be transported from polling locations to a centralized tabulating center under the watch of two election judges. The boxes are accompanied by corresponding pollbooks, which contain the recorded signatures of every voter who cast a ballot at that particular polling place on Election Day.

After polls close at 8 p.m., election workers will begin to put the ballots through the same electronic tabulating machines used to process absentee ballots. The machines themselves — manufactured by Nevada-based ES&S, Montana’s sole certified provider of election equipment — are required by law to be publicly tested for accuracy in the weeks before the election. Batches of voted ballots will be sent through the machines, with the number of processed ballots once more checked and verified. If a machine can’t process a ballot for some reason, perhaps because the voter filled in too many bubbles for a single race or used an ink color the tabulator can’t read, the ballot is flagged and sent to a bipartisan panel of election judges to make sure the voter’s intent is accurately reflected in the night’s final tallies.

Election workers will pull vote totals from each machine throughout the night using a special ES&S-supplied thumb drive and upload them to a secure computer isolated from the internet. Countywide results will be pulled in turn from that computer and uploaded through a separate computer to the secretary of state’s election system.

Voters will see those results reflected in updates to Montana’s online election dashboard. At the same time, poll-watchers and journalists at election offices across the state will be handed printed copies of local results, data that can sometimes let news outlets like the Associated Press report results faster than they appear on the official state dashboard.

The Associated Press also produces race call predictions based on current returns and historical results. In some cases, those race calls are issued before a majority of ballots involving a race are counted based on the agency’s ability to predict the likely political breakdown of a district’s voters.

Despite a wave of skepticism among some conservatives in recent years, Montana’s ballot counting process has been routinely described as fair, accurate and secure by state and local officials of all political stripes. State law has numerous long-established safeguards as well, allowing political parties to recruit poll watchers to monitor local Election Day procedures and requiring randomized post-election audits and county canvasses to double check and certify the results.

Organizations such as the nonprofit Carter Center have also launched independent observation initiatives this year to report on the security and efficacy of Montana’s practices. And, as added insurance, once the secretary of state has proclaimed the results of the 2024 general election official, Montana law requires county election officials to seal and lock away every single ballot for a minimum of 22 months so they’re available to reference in any recounts, challenges or appeals.

If you’re a Montanan hoping to vote in Tuesday’s election but aren’t yet registered to vote, or didn’t receive an absentee ballot in the mail, you’ll still have the chance to register and cast your ballot before polls close at 8 p.m., Tuesday.

Montana allows qualified citizens to register to vote up through Election Day and to reactivate their registration if they have been placed on the inactive voter list because they either didn’t participate in a prior general election or did not respond to mailers from the county election office.

People can check to see if they are registered to vote, or their current registration status, on the VoteMT website. If you’re a Montanan hoping to vote who is not registered, and you meet the qualifications of being a U.S. citizen who is at least 18 years old and who has been a Montana resident for 30 days, you can fill out a voter registration application and submit it to your county elections office.

Voters must sign a sworn affirmation they are not serving a felony conviction in a penal institute and have not been found by a court to be of an unsound mind.

Since the window for absentee ballots going out by mail has passed, new registrants who are qualified to vote will receive a ballot they can vote in person at the elections office.

Voters who are registered but inactive can appear at the elections office or their polling place to either update their registration information in order to become active again, then may cast a ballot.

If you are an absentee voter who has not mailed your ballot back yet, it’s too late to do so; you’ll need to drop your ballot off at your county elections office or can vote in-person at a local polling location. Any ballot that is not received by elections officials by 8 p.m. Tuesday will not be counted, even if it is postmarked ahead of Election Day.

As of Sunday night, there were 791,455 registered voters in Montana, of which 662,596 were active voters. Another 127,550 were listed as inactive voters by the Secretary of State’s Office.

The Secretary of State mailed out 542,003 absentee ballots to voters – about 68% of all registered voters in Montana. As of Sunday night, about 73% of those ballots had already been returned.

Poll locations in Montana are required by law in most cases to be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., though smaller polling locations may be open from noon to 8 p.m.

At a meeting on Monday, the Glasgow City Council voted to direct the Rundle Suites to repair the sidewalk surrounding their property according to City of Glasgow Code.

The sidewalk surrounding the Rundle Suites is uneven and has several cracks which the city has determined to be a danger to the public walking on those portions of the sidewalk.

Glasgow Ordinance details the that if any property owner does not keep the sidewalks in reasonable repair, the city council may order the property owner to place the sidewalk in proper condition. The city council shall give to the property owner written notice that he shall immediately repair the sidewalk surrounding the property within 30 days, or the city itself repair the sidewalk and assess the costs of repair against the property owner and the property.

A letter from the City of Glasgow will be sent to the owner of the Rundle Suites and they will have 30 days to respond to the communication from the city.

Conservative groups are working to undermine support for Montana’s Medicaid expansion in hopes the state will abandon the program. The rollback would be the first in the decade since the Affordable Care Act began allowing states to cover more people with low incomes.

Montana’s expansion, which insures roughly 78,800 people, is set to expire next year unless the Legislature and governor opt to renew it. Opponents see a rare opportunity to eliminate Medicaid expansion in one of the 40 states that have approved it.

The Foundation for Government Accountability and Paragon Health Institute, think tanks funded by conservative groups, told Montana lawmakers in September that the program’s enrollment and costs are bloated and that the overloaded system harms access to care for the most vulnerable.

Manatt, a consulting firm that has studied Montana’s Medicaid program for years, then presented legislators with the opposite take, stating that more people have access to critical treatment because of Medicaid expansion. Those who support the program say the conservative groups’ arguments are flawed.

State Rep. Bob Keenan, a Republican who chairs the Health and Human Services Interim Budget Committee, which heard the dueling arguments, said the decision to kill or continue Medicaid expansion “comes down to who believes what.”

The expansion program extends Medicaid coverage to adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or nearly $21,000 a year for a single person. Before, the program was largely reserved for children, people with disabilities and pregnant women. The federal government covers 90% of the expansion cost while states pick up the rest.

National Medicaid researchers have said Montana is the only state considering shelving its expansion in 2025. Others could follow.

New Hampshire legislators in 2023 extended the state’s expansion for seven years and this year blocked legislation to make it permanent. Utah has provisions to scale back or end its Medicaid expansion program if federal contributions drop.

FGA and Paragon have long argued against Medicaid expansion. Tax records show their funders include some large organizations pushing conservative agendas. That includes the 85 Fund, which is backed by Leonard Leo, a conservative activist best known for his efforts to fill the courts with conservative judges.

The president of Paragon Health Institute is Brian Blase, who served as a special assistant to former President Donald Trump and is a visiting fellow at FGA, which quotes him as praising the organization for its “conservative policy wins” across states. He was also announced in 2019 as a visiting fellow at the Heritage Foundation, which was behind the Project 2025 presidential blueprint, which proposes restricting Medicaid eligibility and benefits.

Paragon spokesperson Anthony Wojtkowiak said its work isn’t directed by any political party or donor. He said Paragon is a nonpartisan nonprofit and responds to policymakers interested in learning more about its analyses.

“In the instance of Montana, Paragon does not have a role in the debate around Medicaid expansion, other than the testimony,” he said.

FGA declined an interview request. As early as last year, the organization began calling on Montana lawmakers to reject reauthorizing the program. It also released a video this year of Montana Republican Rep. Jane Gillette saying the state should allow its expansion to expire.

Gillette requested the FGA and Paragon presentations to state lawmakers, according to Keenan. He said Democratic lawmakers responded by requesting the Manatt presentation.

Manatt’s research was contracted by the Montana Healthcare Foundation, whose mission is to improve the health of Montanans. Its latest report also received support from the state’s hospital association.

The Montana Healthcare Foundation is a funder of KFF Health News, an independent national newsroom that is part of the health information nonprofit KFF.

Bryce Ward, a Montana health economist who studies Medicaid expansion, said some of the antiexpansion arguments don’t add up.

For example, Hayden Dublois, FGA’s data and analytics director, told Montana lawmakers that in 2022 72% of able-bodied adults on Montana’s Medicaid program weren’t working. If that data refers to adults without disabilities, that would come to 97,000 jobless Medicaid enrollees, Ward said. He said that’s just shy of the state’s total population who reported no income at the time, most of whom didn’t qualify for Medicaid.

“It’s simply not plausible,” Ward said.

A Manatt report, citing federal survey data, showed that 66% of Montana adults on Medicaid have jobs and an additional 11% attend school.

FGA didn’t respond to a request for its data, which Dublois said in the committee hearing came through a state records request.

Jon Ebelt, a spokesperson for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, also declined to comment. As of late October, a KFF Health News records request for the data the state provided FGA was pending.

In his presentation before Montana lawmakers, Blase said the most vulnerable people on Medicaid are worse off due to expansion as resources pool toward new enrollees.

“Some people got more medical care; some people got less medical care,” Blase said.

Reports released by the state show its standard monthly reimbursement per Medicaid enrollee remained relatively flat for seniors and adults who are blind or have disabilities.

Drew Gonshorowski, a researcher with Paragon, cited data from a federal Medicaid commission that shows that, overall, states spend more on adults who qualified through the expansion programs than they do on others on Medicaid. That data also shows states spend more on seniors and people with disabilities than on the broader adult population insured by Medicaid, which is also true in Montana.

Nationally, states with expansions spend more money on people enrolled in Medicaid across eligibility groups compared with nonexpansion states, according to a KFF report.

Zoe Barnard, a senior adviser for Manatt who worked for Montana’s health department for nearly 10 years, said not only has the state’s uninsured rate dropped by 30% since it expanded Medicaid, but also some specialty services have grown as more people access care.

FGA has long lobbied non-expansion states, including Texas, Kansas, and Mississippi, to leave Medicaid expansion alone. In February, an FGA representative testified in support of an Idaho bill that included an expansion repeal trigger if the state couldn’t meet a set of rules, including instituting work requirements and capping enrollment. The bill failed.

Paragon produced an analysis titled “Resisting the Wave of Medicaid Expansion,” and Blase testified to Texas lawmakers this year on the value of continuing to keep expansion out of the Lone Star State.

On the federal level, Paragon recently proposed a Medicaid overhaul plan to phase out the federal 90% matching rate for expansion enrollees, among other changes to cut spending. The left-leaning Center on Budget and Policy Priorities has countered that such ideas would leave more people without care.

In Montana, Republicans are defending a supermajority they didn’t have when a bipartisan group passed the expansion in 2015 and renewed it in 2019. Also unlike before, there’s now a Republican in the governor’s office. Gov. Greg Gianforte is up for reelection and has said the safety net is important but shouldn’t get too big.

Keenan, the Republican lawmaker, predicted the expansion debate won’t be clear-cut when legislators convene in January.

“Medicaid expansion is not a yes or no. It’s going to be a negotiated decision,” he said.

Release from Glasgow Speech and Drama!

Saturday, we had our season opener in Sidney! We had a spectacular opener-

In HOI : Gabe Proctor in 1st and Ash James in 3rd!

In SPOI: Connor Whitmer in 1st and one of our 2- 8th graders, Henry Holte in 5th!

In Lincoln Douglas Debate: Our other 8th grader, Gabe Allen in 9th!

In Hum Solo: Mirax Lipscomb in 5th!

In DOI: Kai Combs in 2nd!

Our team came in 3rd for Class B Drama Sweeps and 1st for Class B Speech!

We have even more kids that will be competing next weekend! AveryLynn Terell, Sebastian Gregg, Emmy Gutow, Cody Lacock and eventually James Pearson as football ends. What a great start to the 24/25 season!

October was a warm and dry month, 5th warmest on record. Only 0.33 inches fell during the month and no snow was reported (first time since 2015).

The U.S. Department of Justice on Election Day will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in 86 jurisdictions in 27 states, including in Blaine County.

Located in north central Montana, Blaine County overlaps with the Fort Belknap Reservation and is home to 6,899 people, 50% of whom are Native American. As of Oct. 31, 72.8% of absentee ballots sent out in Blaine County had been received.

The Justice Department regularly monitors elections nationwide to ensure eligible individuals can vote, according to a news release. The release did not state why Blaine County or other counties were selected.

On Election Day, people can submit questions and complaints related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws to the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division at civilrights.justice.gov or by calling 800-253-3931. Complaints related to disruptions at polling places should be reported to local election authorities. Reports of violence or voter intimidation at a polling place should be reported to local police.

The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture presents the New Trends in Agriculture Seminar on Tuesday, November 5th at the Cottonwood Inn.

The seminar is free to attend, and a free lunch will be provided.

The Town Pump Charitable Foundation has invited our local Valley Community Emergency Food Bank to participate in their 2024 "BE A FRIEND INDEED, HELP THOSE IN NEED" campaign.

The foundation will match each dollar collected by our food bank up to $5000 from September 1, 2024 through November 30, 2024. All donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 63, Glasgow, Mt 59230. Keep in mind our local food bank relies solely on donated funds.

Also, we would like to let the community know that we are a recipient of the Hunters Against Hunger program. If there are hunters that would like to donate their game to the food bank they are able to do so by taking it to Treasure Trail Processing and let them know that they would like to donate their meat to the food bank. There is no cost for processing, as it is covered by the program. Information regarding the program is located at each site that sells hunting tags.

Also, a quick reminder that we do have drop boxes for any donated food items at the following locations:

Albertsons
Reynolds
Lutheran Church
St. Raphael's Parish Center
Evangelical Church
Glasgow High School
Glasgow Middle School
Irle School

Two Rivers Economic Growth Hosted a Unity in the Community Event on Tuesday evening.

The Glasgow City Council will have a regular meeting on Monday at 5pm in the Glasgow Civic Center.

The Glasgow School Board will have to fill an open position on the School Board after Angie Page resigned her Trustee position today.

Hunters can help with wildlife conservation efforts by submitting samples from harvested deer, elk, and moose for chronic wasting disease (CWD) testing.

In Region 6 in northeast Montana, hunters can visit the:

--Glasgow FWP office: M-F, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 1 Airport rd (follow the signs on the gravel road behind the office)
--Havre FWP office: Mon, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Thurs-Fri,10 a.m.-5 p.m., 2165 Hwy 2 East
--Havre check station: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.-dark, 5 miles east of Havre on US Hwy 2
--Malta CWD station: Sat. and Sun., 10 a.m.-dark, parking lot behind Westside Conoco Gas Station, intersection of US Hwy 2 and US Hwy 191

For a complete list of stations and hours across the state, visit fwp.mt.gov/cwd Hunter can also take samples themselves and mail them to the wildlife lab for testing. See the CWD page for details.
Although CWD testing is voluntary in this area and most of Montana, samples from hunter-harvested deer, elk and moose are critical to FWP’s understanding of this fatal disease.

All sampling is offered for free to hunters. Hunters play a key role in minimizing the spread and providing data.

Tourists spent an estimated average of $5.82 billion in Montana annually over the two-year period of 2022 and 2023, according to a new report from the Institute for Tourism and Economic Research at the University of Montana.

A big share of the spending was concentrated in the regions around Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, which received $1.95 billion and $1.36 billion, respectively, each year. Together, the two regions account for 57% of all nonresident traveler expenditures.

As far as individual counties, Flathead County was the recipient of the most travel spending at just over $1 billion each year. Gallatin County was in second place at $964 million. Missoula County came in third at $489 million and Yellowstone County was close behind at $446 million.

Lewis and Clark County was in sixth place at $267 million, while Silver Bow County was at 10th at $193 million. Ravalli County was in 18th at $64 million.

“Over two-year averages, the data shows strong visitor spending in Montana," said Kara Grau, the assistant director of economic analysis at the institute. "While spending patterns shift slightly across the state, regions and communities near popular national parks consistently receive the most nonresident travel spending. However, all parts of Montana benefit from travelers visiting or passing through."

The northeast region of the state, called Missouri River Country by the institute, saw the least travel spending per year at $261 million.

For the Glacier Country Region, which includes western and northwestern Montana from Ravalli County all the way up to Glacier County, restaurants and bars saw $353 million in tourist spending. It was the only region in Montana where tourists spent more at bars and restaurants than they did on gasoline or diesel fuel.

The total of $1.95 billion spent in the region in both 2022 and 2023 directly supported 18,814 jobs and $100 million in state and local tax revenue.

The institute cautioned that the numbers are only estimates. They send out people all over the state every year to survey tourists in order to produce the report. The report adjusted the 2022 spending numbers for inflation.

In Missoula County, the number of jobs directly supported by tourism spending is estimated to be nearly 4,000.

About 12.5 million people visited Montana in both 2022 and 2023.

In a previous survey, the institute reported that about 69% of Montana residents believe that the overall benefits of tourism outweigh the negative impacts.

The institute has calculated that tourist spending in Montana reduces the average tax burden on every Montana household by about $930 per year.

Story credit to KULR8.Com

Montana Highway Patrol has reported one woman is dead following a crash just before 11:00 Saturday night.

According to MHP, a 23-year-old woman from Saco was heading south on Highway 243 when her Chevrolet Trailblazer went off the road to the right. The car hit a ditch and stopped abruptly, killing the driver, MHP said.

The crash occurred near mile marker 19. According to MHP, the woman was not wearing a seatbelt when she crashed and she was pronounced dead on the scene when authorities arrived.

MHP suspected alcohol to be a factor in the crash. Authorities have not released the identity of the woman who died in the crash.

Unity in the Community is right around the corner. Join Two Rivers Economic Growth for an evening of awesome connections and a fabulous meal, courtesy of the local 4H clubs! See you at the Glasgow Elks Lodge on October 29!

Story credit to Billings Gazette:

A Glasgow man died Thursday when his truck went off a rural road outside Nashua.

The 60-year-old was traveling alone and hauling bales of hay, according to a statement published Friday by Montana Highway Patrol. The driver may have suffered a medical emergency while at the wheel, per MHP’s preliminary report, as neither speeding nor intoxication are suspected to be factors.

Early Thursday afternoon, the Glasgow man was headed north on North River Road, which runs alongside the Milk River near the small town of Nashua. The truck crossed the center of the road and went into a ditch, colliding with a barbed wire fence.

The driver, who was reportedly not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders.

As of late October, at least 165 people have been killed on Montana’s roads, according to MHP data. Fatalities in the state are currently up slightly when compared to this same time last year. Nearly 44% of the fatalities this year have been attributed to travelers not properly wearing their seat belts.

Thursday’s crash was one of four fatalities MHP troopers responded to in the past week, with deadly crashes also occurring in Flathead and Gallatin counties.

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), in partnership with Wickens Construction Inc., is pleased to announce that construction on the Malta-South project is substantially complete.

This project enhanced road safety and improved durability on a 9-mile stretch of US Highway 191 (US 191) south of Malta. Crews reconstructed steep grades and sharp curves and widened the roadway. Work also included the installation of snow ditches to mitigate drifting and the addition of pedestrian facilities near 9th Street West, addressing community safety concerns.

“MDT is glad to see this vital project near completion,” said MDT Glendive District Construction Engineer Clay Blackwell. “The upgrades will address both safety and the overall driving experience for the community. We especially appreciate the patience and understanding of area residents throughout construction.”

Key pedestrian improvements along US 191 included:
• High-visibility pavement markings for both vehicles and pedestrians.
• Curb bulb-outs at Ninth Street West to increase pedestrian visibility.
• A new pedestrian-activated signal at Ninth Street West to alert drivers of crossings.
• A separated shared-use path along the west side of US 191 from Secondary Highway 363 (S 363) to Ninth Street West.

The pedestrian improvements were added in response to community input during the design phase, ensuring the project met local needs, especially for school-aged pedestrians.

Crews will return next spring to apply seal and cover (chip seal) and permanent roadway markings. MDT urges drivers to be cautious and mindful of the “cone zone” during this additional work, as crews will work close to fast-moving traffic. Slowing down and remaining attentive in construction areas is vital for the safety of the workers.

The Montana Secretary of State's Office is reporting that Valley County has a 41.6% return rate of absentee ballots as of October 24th. 1512 ballots have been returned compared to 3647 absentee ballots that were sent out in Valley County.

Absentee ballots must be returned by 8pm on November 5th.

In Montana, 42% of absentee ballots have been returned, Phillips County with a return rate of 37% and Roosevelt County 32%.

The number of registered voters in Valley County totals 5046, Roosevelt County 6034 and Philips County 2728. Montana has 786,231 registered voters.

Wolf Point, MT - Oct 24th, 2024 - Wolf Point, Montana – Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $550,000 grant from the U.S. Treasury’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund as part of the CDFI Financial Assistance (FA) program. This grant will bolster GNDC’s efforts to provide critical lending services to small businesses across Northeastern Montana.

The CDFI Fund’s Financial Assistance program is highly competitive at the national level, and GNDC’s selection as a recipient highlights the exceptional quality and impact of its services in the region. These funds will help support GNDC’s mission of fostering economic development and growth through access to financial resources, technical assistance, and personalized support for businesses in economically underserved areas. The award will enhance lending capabilities, promote entrepreneurship, and drive community revitalization in this rural area of the state. To learn more about the CDFI Fund and its programs, please visit www.cdfifund.gov.

GNDC serves six counties in Northeastern Montana, including Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt, Garfield, and McCone. It focuses on providing small business loans and technical assistance to ensure that businesses in the region have the tools they need to succeed

Tori Matejovsky, Executive Director of GNDC, expressed her excitement:
"This grant is a huge win for GNDC and the communities we serve. It will allow us to expand our support for local businesses and help them thrive."

The funds will expand GNDC’s lending portfolio, helping small businesses across Northeastern Montana access the capital they need to launch, grow, and succeed. Whether through gap financing, working capital, or other tailored financial solutions, GNDC is committed to supporting the local business community and strengthening the region’s economy.

For more information about Great Northern Development Corporation and its small business lending services, visit www.gndc.org or contact the GNDC office at (406) 653-2590.

About GNDC
Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is a regional development organization based in Wolf Point, Montana, serving six counties in Northeastern Montana. Certified by the U.S. Economic Development Administration, GNDC provides services including small business lending, technical assistance, and economic development support to strengthen communities and promote sustainable growth in the region.

The City Council needs some volunteers (up to five) for a committee that will review the City's Growth Policy. The policy was set in 2013 and needs to be updated.

Grants and other legal obligations are tied to this document and it should be updated at least every ten years. so we are overdue.

If you are interested in volunteering for this committee, please call Hillary at the City Office at 406-228-2476.

GLASGOW- With the general deer and elk season coming up this weekend, a lot of folks will be hitting the field. Remember, it is up to the hunter to be familiar with the current year’s hunting regulations to be safe, ethical, and law-abiding. Below is one major regulation change this year in Regions 6 and 7 regarding mule deer doe hunting, along with the 10 most common mistakes hunters make.

REGULATION CHANGE
This year, in Regions 6 and 7, antlerless mule deer hunting is only permitted on private land. This includes mule deer B licenses for a particular hunting district, or a general deer license where mule deer doe harvest on a general tag is allowed. It’s important to note that private lands enrolled in Block Management are open for these opportunities if the landowner allows. There is NO mule deer doe harvest allowed in hunting districts 621 and 622.

10 COMMON MISTAKES
With all the rules and regulations that need to be followed regarding hunting big game in Montana, here are 10 problem areas, according to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks game wardens, that hunters seem to stumble over year after year.

TRESPASSING: Hunters must have permission of the landowner before hunting on private land. In Montana, private land does not have to be posted for a hunter to be guilty of hunting without permission. Ask first. It’s up to us…respect access, protect the hunt!

SHOOTING FROM ROADS: State law makes it illegal for anyone to shoot on, from, or across a public road or right of way. The right of way generally lies between the fences on either side of the road. It's also known as the shoulder or borrow pit.

SUNRISE-SUNSET: Make sure of sunrise and sunset times. Big game season runs from one half hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset. Use only the sunrise-sunset tables supplied by FWP, not the sunset times shown on a cell phone or watch.

VALIDATING YOUR TAG: After harvesting a big game animal, hunters must validate their hunting tag before the carcass is removed or the person leaves the site of the kill. Proper validation means completely cutting out the date and month on the tag, or properly validating an E-tag. It also means thinking ahead so you don't, say, validate a deer tag for an elk. Excitement is no excuse. Starting last year, a validated tag DOES NOT need to be attached to the animal…it can instead accompany the carcass. If using E-tags, make sure to log in and download any tags BEFORE leaving cell service!

TAG YOUR OWN: Hunters must use their own tags when shooting an animal. Transferring licenses between spouses or using a family member's tag is illegal. Some states allow tag-sharing, but not Montana.

DRIVING: Drive only on established roads. On public land, stay on the road. On private land, drive only where the landowner allows you to. Driving off a road is a sure way to make an enemy of a private landowner and probably get a ticket.

CHECK STATIONS: Hunters are required to stop at all check stations, going to or coming from the field, with or without game. Driving by a check station not only hurts FWP’s efforts to gather data, but it is also illegal and can result in a ticket.

EVIDENCE OF SEX: When transporting a big game animal, evidence of the animal's sex must remain with the carcass if the license is for a specific sex of animal (like an antlerless deer). An either-sex license (like a general deer) does not require proof of sex. The proof of sex DOES NOT need to be attached to the carcass.

CARCASS DISPOSAL: To help prevent the spread of CWD, unused animal parts should remain at the kill site or be disposed of in a class II landfill after processing. It is illegal to dump carcass parts on public land away from the kill site.

HUNTER ORANGE: Big game hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist and visible from all sides. Keep in mind that a binocular harness or a backpack may "block out" some of the 400 square inches. A good idea is to hang an orange vest on a backpack and wear a hunter orange hat. Although it’s not required for bird hunters, it’s a good idea to put on some orange, at least a hat or vest.

If you make a mistake, such as accidentally harvesting a game animal that you didn't intend to, do the right thing and notify an FWP game warden, or go to www.tipmont.mt.gov and follow their instructions. Hunters should field dress the animal but DO NOT transport the animal until you've received instructions.

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $1.5 million of grant funding will be distributed to six regional nonprofit tourism corporations or “regions.” These funds can be used alongside other private or public dollars to begin implementing the priority items identified in the awardees’ regional resiliency plans. The grant funding is provided through Commerce’s Resiliency Plan Implementation Grant Program.

“Resiliency planning helps identify both predictable and unpredictable variables that could undermine Montana’s economic strength,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “These funds will be used to improve local economies by supporting destination development, growing engagement through collaboration and supporting workforce development.”

To be considered for this funding, eligible applicants demonstrated their alignment with the published state and regional resiliency plans, along with project implementation schedules, frameworks and deliverables.

The following regions will each receive $250,000 of Resiliency Plan Implementation Grant Program funding to be implemented by May 2026:

Central Montana Tourism
Glacier Country Regional Tourism Commission
Missouri River Country Montana, Inc.
Southwest Montana
Visit Southeast Montana
Yellowstone Country Montana, Inc.

Through the American Rescue Plan, the United States Congress appropriated $750 million to the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Travel, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Program to help state and local tourism sectors recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. In August of 2021, Montana Governor Greg Gianforte designated Commerce as the recipient of Montana’s share of those funds through House Bill 4.

For more information about the Resiliency Plan Implementation Grant Program, visit commerce.mt.gov.

The Valley County Commissioners will meet at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23rd at 10:30 a.m.

Agenda
1. Additions/Deletions
2. Public Comment on agenda items
3. Action on Employment/Termination Notices
4. Consideration of donation to help defer the cost of utilities for the Nashua Senior Citizens building. Last year's donation was $1,500.
5. Consider reappointing Diane Brandt to the Missouri River Country Tourism Board. Her term expires this year. This is a 3-year appointment.
6. Consider Resolution No 18-2024 canceling election for Valley County Clerk of Court, with the intent to name Shelley Bryan elected to the position by acclimation pursuant to #13-l-403(5)(b), MCA.
7. Consideration for abandonment of a portion of Valley County Road No. 459 in the areas where the road enters into, crosses and exits Lots 8, 9, and 10 of the Kittleson Ridge Subdivision located in the E ½ of Section 7 and the W ½ of Section 8, Township 26 North, Range 41 East, MPM.
8. Consider signing an agreement with MDT to allow them to put up stop ahead signs near the junction of State Highway on 43 8 Grain East Road. Valley County Road Department would be required to maintain the sign.
9. Consider a request for financial assistance with the utility bill for the Fire Hall in Nashua, in the amount of one-third of the monthly costs for natural gas and electricity. Request is signed by Nashua Fire Chief Joel Novak and Nashua Mayor JoAnna Turner.
10. Consider renewal of Inmate Excess Medical Insurance at a rate $1.31 per inmate per day, up from $1.25 per inmate per day in prior year, effective November 1, 2024 through October 31, 2025.
11. Public Comment on non-agenda items
12. Meeting adjourned.

HAVRE– Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks encourages folks to be bear aware, even in the “Hi-Line” area of central and eastern Montana.

Many folks are heading into the field for fall hunting, and bears are often very active this time of year as they are looking for high calorie food sources before hibernation.

Bear populations are expanding, and although bear encounters are rare in most of central and eastern Montana, there are known black and grizzly bears in all kinds of habitats along the Hi-Line. This includes the Little Rockies and Bear Paw Mountains, the Missouri and Milk River corridors, and potentially anywhere on the prairie. Folks that plan to hunt in these areas should be diligent on being bear aware.

Tips for hunters and others that recreate in bear country:

Carry bear spray in an accessible place and know how to use it.
Stay alert and look for bear activity and sign, especially where visibility or hearing is limited (woods, bushy areas, streams).
Pack meat out as soon as possible, or properly hang meat until you can retrieve your downed game.
If you must leave your animal, return to the site carefully. Leave it in an area that is easily observable from a distance.
Drag gut piles into open areas, if possible, and at least 100 yards from your carcass as soon as possible.
If a bear has claimed your animal, do not attempt to haze or frighten the bear away. Report any lost game to FWP.

Tips for homeowners/landowners:
remove or secure food attractants such as garbage, bird feeders and pet food.
stay at least 100 yards away from wildlife and try to haze animals off their property with hard-sided vehicles and loud noises.
Chickens and other small livestock should be properly secured with electric fencing or inside a closed shed with a door.
Domestic fruit should be picked up as soon as possible.
More great information can be found online at https://fwp.mt.gov/bear-aware on how to live and recreate in bear country.

FWP specialists work diligently to help landowners, communities, and recreators avoid bear conflicts. In central Montana, to report a sighting, conflict, or for assistance securing attractants, contact FWP bear specialists David Kemp at 406-450-1097 or Chad White at 406-788-4755. In case of a conflict where livestock is involved, call your local USDA Wildlife Services agent.

Full Story from KTVQ.com

In May 2023, after months of persistent abdominal pain, Mckenna Bell, a third grader from Lustre, was diagnosed with Metastatic Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive type of bone cancer. Her journey began with countless trips to the emergency room, where doctors struggled to pinpoint the cause of her pain.

The family was quickly taken to Denver to have over a week of testing done. Eventually, they discovered her issues were due to a tumor pressing against her organs and an abnormal genetic component. A diagnosis followed soon after. Mckenna faced months of chemotherapy followed by six weeks of radiation treatment.

In February of this year, she had her final round of chemo and got to celebrate being cancer-free not long after.

After brainstorming ideas on what she wanted for her Make-A-Wish, she eventually came up with the idea of a camper inspired by her recent camping trip with friends, and on Saturday, the moment arrived. Surrounded by family and friends, Mckenna walked into Camping World to discover her dream camper, complete with special surprises inside. Her mother, Tori, said the camper will provide many uses over the years and was the best gift her daughter could have gotten, representing a place of comfort for her.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services on Tuesday sent its annual warning to Montanans to prepare for the respiratory virus season, as the first influenza cases and the first hospitalization of the year have been reported during the past two weeks.

The department said lab-confirmed cases of the flu have already been reported in recent weeks. The DPPHS respiratory illness dashboard showed there were 12 reported cases of the flu the first week of October and one reported hospitalization, along with 486 cases of Covid-19 – primarily in Blaine, Sheridan, Chouteau and Daniels counties.

The dashboard shows health care workers performed 315 tests on people for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that same week, but none came back positive.

The state’s dashboards contain information about Covid-19, the flu, RSV, outbreaks and emergency room data.

During the last respiratory illness season, which runs October through May, 900 people were hospitalized with the flu in Montana and 44 people died. More than 900 people were hospitalized for Covid-19, and 98 deaths were reported, and those figures do not include people who only tested positive for the viruses at home, according to DPHHS.

There were a combined 35,000 cases of the two illnesses reported during the 2023-24 season.

DPHHS says vaccination is “the best form of protection” against having more serious outcomes from the diseases, especially among people with weakened immune systems. Vaccines are available for most people for the three illnesses – RSV vaccines are available primarily for older Montanans and pregnant people – as well as pneumococcal pneumonia, and vaccination locations can be found on the government’s website.

Montanans who do contract a respiratory illness are advised to stay home and away from others while sick, and to only return to daily activities at least 24 hours after they are fever-free and symptoms have subsided, according to DPHHS.

People are also encouraged to wash their hands regularly, cover their mouths and noses when sneezing and coughing, and to use a face mask when indoors and around others more at risk of contracting a severe illness.

As of late September, households can once again order four free Covid-19 tests from the federal government at covidtests.gov. At that website, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration also has information on older tests whose expiration dates have passed but which may still be usable.

The Glasgow City Council will have a regular meeting on Monday at 5pm in the Council Chambers at the Glasgow Civic Center.

Action items on the agenda include establishing a special revenue fund for the Glasgow Skate Park. This will be funded by the City of Glasgow and Siding 45 Skate Park for the care, maintenance and end of life costs for the Glasgow Skate Park.

The council will also consider approving a collective bargaining agreement between the City of Glasgow and the Glasgow Police Department. This would be a 2-year agreement.

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center (MCHF & WHC) announces their 17th class of inductions into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The inductees were chosen from a field of candidates nominated by the general public. Inductees are honored for their notable contributions to the history and culture of Montana.

“The Hall of Fame exists to honor those who have made an impact in their part of the state and represent Montana’s authentic Western heritage for future generations,” said DuWayne Wilson, MCHF & WHC president. “Our volunteer trustees across Montana vote on nominations that come from the district in which they reside. This process gives the local communities a strong voice in who will represent them in the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.”

The MCHF & WHC board of directors has designated 12 trustee districts across the state from which up to 20 trustees may be appointed. Nomination criteria established by the board for the Class of 2025 inductions allowed for the election of one Living Inductee and one Legacy Inductee from each of the 12 districts.

District 1 District 1 (Daniels, Phillips, Roosevelt, Sheridan, & Valley Counties): Living: Rose (Anderson) “Rosie” Stoneberg of Hinsdale; Legacy: George W. “Mac” & Anna (Ator) “Annie” McCoy of Plentywood.

District 2 District 2 (Dawson, Garfield, McCone, Prairie, Richland, & Wibaux Counties): Living: Rick Potts of Sand Springs; Legacy: Hi H. Whitlock of Paris.

District 3 (Carter, Custer, Fallon, Powder River, Rosebud, & Treasure Counties): Living: Harold Arvik of Hysham; Legacy: D. J. O’Malley “The N Bar N Kid” of Miles City.

District 4 (Blaine, Chouteau, Hill, & Liberty Counties): Living: Richard Louis Stuker of Chinook; Legacy: John Stuker of Chinook.

District 5 (Cascade, Glacier, Pondera, Teton, & Toole Counties): Living: Scooter (Hayworth) Pasha of Simms; Legacy: Edward J. “Ed” Marn of Belt.

District 6 (Fergus, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, Musselshell, Petroleum, & Wheatland Counties): Living: Raymond Hugh “Rainbow” Hillman of Musselshell; Legacy: Eugene “Gene” Taber, Jr. of Shawmut.

District 7 (Big Horn, Carbon, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, & Yellowstone Counties): Living: Barbara Van Cleve of Big Timber; Legacy: Edmund Cummings “Eddy” Hulbert of Hillsboro.

District 8 (Broadwater, Jefferson, & Lewis and Clark Counties): Living: Donn W. “Buzz” Short of Helena; Legacy: Richard “Dick” & Nancy (McLean) Klick of Augusta.

District 9 (Gallatin, Meagher, & Park Counties): Living: Clarence Robert “C.R.” Morrison of Livingston; Legacy: Thomas Edward “Tom” Lane of Livingston.

District 10 (Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, & Sanders Counties): Living: Lonnie Paul Metzger of Ronan; Legacy: None Submitted.

District 11: (Mineral, Missoula, & Ravalli Counties): Living: Larry H. Pirnie of Missoula; Legacy: E Bar L Ranch of Greenough.

District 12: (Deer Lodge, Beaverhead, Silver Bow, Granite, Madison, & Powell Counties): Living: Brittany Shelby “Bucking Horse Gal” Miller of Dillon; Legacy: Ralph Edward “Rem” Mannix, Jr. of Helmville.

The MCHF & WHC plans to honor these inductees during the MCHF Annual Induction Ceremony & Western Heritage Gathering February 8, 2025, in Great Falls at the Heritage Inn.

Story credit to Daily Montanan:

After public criticisms of higher and higher utility rates, the Montana Public Service Commission rejected Tuesday a rate increase requested by Montana-Dakota Utilities — for the time being.

“It’s just never ending, and as someone else said, income is not like that,” said Karen Jarussi of Billings, who asked the PSC to look out for families and consumers.

The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities in Montana. It is charged with ensuring fair rates for customers and a reasonable return for public utilities.

The PSC may still grant the full increase requested by MDU after further review, or $8.68 a month for residential customers, according to a staff report.

Tuesday, however, Commissioner Annie Bukacek was in the minority in supporting an interim bump.

At the meeting, Bukacek moved to approve a staff recommendation that would have increased natural gas rates for the average residential customer $5.01 a month, or 10.25% more — less than the $5.17 interim increase MDU wanted.

All four other commissioners voted against it, however.

Commissioner Tony O’Donnell said he isn’t opposed to reconsidering the increase as the full case unfolds, but the Montana Consumer Counsel hasn’t even weighed in yet.

Commissioner Randy Pinocci said the timing is bad, too. He said the increases would hit customers just as winter approaches and heating prices are going up anyway.

PSC President James Brown said he didn’t believe the company had justified the request, and he trusted the next commission will get a full picture of the entire case and make a sound decision. (Three PSC seats are on the ballot this November, and winners will take office in 2025.)

In the meantime, Brown said he would oppose the temporary request, as the PSC has the discretion to do.

“If we can spare Montana natural gas customers from yet another source of sticker shock — which I believe this is — on their winter natural gas bills, I believe we have an obligation to do so,” Brown said.

In a staff report, however, a PSC analyst said the company needs to bring in more money, although staff recommended a lower increase than MDU wanted.

“MDU’s current rates barely recover the cost of providing natural gas service and do not allow MDU shareholders to earn a reasonable return on their investment,” said a PSC analyst at the meeting.

Bukacek concurred with the staff recommendation and said she understands consumers are struggling. She said she is a doctor and sees older patients who don’t have much money, but she believes the utility is hurting too.

“Just as expenses increase for consumers, so does the cost of doing business for utility companies, utility companies that keep us alive,” Bukacek said.

In August 2023, the PSC approved a rate increase of 9.1% for MDU electric customers, but with O’Donnell and Pinocci voting no.

Last fall, the all-Republican PSC also unanimously approved a settlement that increased rates for NorthWestern Energy customers 28%, and members of the public have been protesting the hikes since.

Just last week, members of the public called on legislators to make sure the Montana Consumer Counsel, established in the state Constitution to advocate for consumers, works on their behalf.

Tuesday, customers and residents in eastern Montana, where MDU operates, questioned the rate request given previous rate increases and other rising costs and higher taxes.

They also said the utility should pay its fair share and could afford to do so.

“If MDU is doing so great financially — and their stockholders are — why do they need another large rate increase when people in these little towns in eastern Montana are struggling?” said Mary Catherine Dunphy, of Miles City, and of the Northern Plains Resource Council.

Karen Stears, of Billings, agreed the company was doing well financially, and she too wondered why they should get more money. She also wanted to know if they were doing their part to keep costs down.

“Have they provided any evidence of cost-saving measures and efficiency improvements that they implemented prior to the rate increase request?” Stears asked.

Jeff Pattison, of Glasgow, said another increase would hurt the agricultural community in Montana, which is already on the ropes with drought.

In 1972, he said, the price of wheat was $4.80 a bushel, and it’s now $4.68. But he said a loaf of bread is $7 or $8 now as opposed to 25 cents in 1972.

“When you get to the point where you need it but can’t afford it, what do you do?” Pattison said. “And I think that’s where a lot of people are in eastern Montana.”

A PSC staff analysis, however, found an increase, albeit lower than what MDU requested, would be merited.

The staff report said MDU had made capital investments in upgrading or replacing “purported critical infrastructure.” The staff report also said MDU had a rate of return and return on equity that were too low and inconsistent with standards in a couple of U.S. Supreme Court cases.

Commissioner Jennifer Fielder said MDU has been one of the better companies the PSC works with, but she agreed the time wasn’t right for approving an interim rate increase.

“I’d like to see the full case move forward, and I’d like to examine it carefully and make our decision after we’ve had a chance to review the evidence,” Fielder said.

In a statement following the decision, Dunphy, also a member of the Eastern Montana Resource Council, praised the decision.

“I’m really glad that the PSC stuck up for the people of eastern Montana instead of this corporation,” said Dunphy in a statement from the conservation group. “This will really help young families, folks on fixed incomes, and elderly people this winter. Eastern Montanans are struggling — wages have not kept up with inflation or costs of groceries, gas, housing, and childcare.”

But Dunphy also said MDU will come back asking for more, the full 16.4%, in February.

“As members of the public, we’ll continue to ask questions and hold these corporations accountable,” she said. “It’s encouraging to know that the commission won’t be a rubber stamp for these rate increase in the future.”

The Valley County Commissioners will meet Wednesday at 10:30am in their office at the Valley County Courthouse.

Jeff Alsberg and Mitch Willett the 2 candidates for Valley County Commissioner were guests on Live Under the Big Sky today. The two candidates spoke of why they are running for a spot on the commission and what they would like to accomplish if elected.

https://soundcloud.com/feed

The national average for a gallon of gas popped two pennies higher to $3.20 since last week as large swaths of the country deal with severe back-to-back storm damage. Like Hurricane Helene, Milton will not severely impact national gasoline supplies but will affect demand in areas with destroyed infrastructure, flooded roads, and power outages.

Overseas, the tension between Iran and Israel continues, which is causing a slow wobbling in the price of oil but no steady upward movement.

“All this terrible weather lately could cause regional prices to rise as drivers flock to the few open stations with gas,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “But as roads are cleared and power is restored, stations will be able to be re-supplied, so any upward pressure on prices should be fleeting.”

With an estimated 1.2 million AAA members living in households with one or more electric vehicles, AAA tracks the average kilowatt-per-hour cost for all levels of public charging by state. Today’s national average for a kilowatt of electricity at a public charging station is 35 cents.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand surged from 8.52 million b/d last week to 9.65. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks plunged from 221.2 million barrels to 214.9, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10.2 million barrels daily.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.20, 5 cents less than a month ago and 47 cents less than a year ago.

In Montana the average price is $3.23 per gallon and in Valley County the average price is $3.30 per gallon.

The November 5th General Election is quickly approaching, and absentee ballots are mailed out this week and should be arriving in Valley County mailboxes soon.

The Montana Secretary of State is reporting that 3562 absentee ballots are being mailed out in Valley County which is 71% of the registered voters in the county.

Roosevelt County is mailing out 2554 absentee ballots which is 42% of the registered voters while Phillips County is mailing 1879 absentee ballots which is 69% of registered voters.

In Montana, 500,746 absentee ballots are going out and that is 64% of registered voters.

Those voters who don't vote absentee will vote on Election Day and the polling place in Valley County is at the Valley County Courthouse with polling hours from 7am-8pm.

Voter turnout in Valley County:

2024 Primary- 41%
2022 General- 66%
2020 General- 84%
2018 General- 80%
2016 General- 83%
2014 General- 72%
2012 General- 82%

The Montana Department of Commerce announced today the launch of a new grant program designed to support rural and tribal agricultural businesses and promote economic diversification across the state. The funding is through Commerce’s Agritourism Grants Program.

“This new grant program will help Montana farmers and ranchers expand operations by developing new or enhancing established agritourism revenue streams. Our goal is to create agritourism opportunities with a focus on rural, under-visited and tribal locations and generate tourism revenue that will benefit local economies across the state,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce.
The Montana Department of Commerce invites all interested individuals to register and join a webinar on Oct. 15, 2024. Participants will learn more about how to apply for an agritourism grant, scoring criteria and timelines.

In 2023, the Montana Legislature authorized Commerce to establish the Agritourism Grants Program by enacting Senate Bill 540.

All applications for this program must be submitted by midnight on Oct. 24, 2024. For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov.

Valley County marijuana sales decreased in September compared to August according to the Montana Department of Revenue.

Valley County recorded sales of $149,516 in adult use and medical marijuana for the month of September. $127,430 was adult use and $22,086 was medical marijuana.

This compares to sales of $159,630 in August and $154,331 in July.

Montana recorded $27.5 million in sales for September compared to $29.7 million in August.

Release from Glasgow/Long Run Fire Department:

Glasgow/Long Run Fire Department was paged Monday night at 11:03pm to a fire at the landfill.

Upon arrival, heavy fire was observed back in the pit. Response included 5 fire trucks and 8 fire department personnel. Saint Marie Fire Department assisted with bringing a water tender.

Approximately 38,850 gallons of water was sprayed on the fire. All crews cleared Tuesday morning at 4:28am.

Story credit: https://www.krtv.com/neighborhood-news/indian-country/fort-peck-satellite-voting-lawsuit-enters-settlement-negotiations

While most Montanans are able to begin early voting this week, Native American voters on the Fort Peck Reservation continue the fight for their voting rights with a lawsuit asking for two satellite voting offices to be established closer to the reservation.

Settlement negotiations began Tuesday morning between the Native American plaintiffs and Valley and Roosevelt counties.

The counties have argued they are unable to open satellite voting locations due to challenges in recruiting staff to operate the satellite offices.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit are working to help the counties overcome these challenges, stating, “We took an opportunity to help find staffing for these offices. Nobody wants this to be a sloppy process, it cannot be, so we’re wanting to make sure that the appropriate training is in place. One shouldn't say, ‘Well, it's too tough to get it done together for this election, so we better wait for the next one’. And so all that being said, we're delighted that, at least for right now, we've got our side and the defense side talking and trying to come to a feasible solution."

The plaintiffs are requesting satellite voting offices that are open at least a total of 179 hours, the same amount of time as any election office open from 8am to 5pm adds up to in most other areas of the state.

Despite there being less than thirty days until election day, Healy says there is ample time to set up offices and train staff, citing similar cases in which satellite offices were up and running in less than two weeks. “It's never too late or never too close to an election for the equal right to vote to be considered," Healy says.

After a hearing Monday October 7th, a continuance was set for October 18th. For now, the two parties are engaging in settlement discussions and working toward creating a reasonable and feasible solution ahead of the upcoming election.

Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen told Kltz/Mix that a settlement offer has been offered by the plaintiffs in the case. Jensen said he will present the offer to the Valley County Commissioners, but a meeting will have to be set and noticed to the general public.

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

The Valley County Hope Project is now selling tickets for the Festival of Trees to be held November 22nd at the Glasgow Elks Lodge.

Press Release from Valley County Sheriff's Office:

At 7:20 pm, on Sunday, October 6, 2024, Valley County Dispatch received a 911 call stating multiple gun shots were being reported in the town of St. Marie. Officers responded from Valley County Sheriff’s Office and Glasgow Police Department.

Both officers made contact with a male suspect. The suspect was given multiple commands and did not comply. The suspect then aggressively approached the law enforcement officers yelling, “Just shoot me.” The Valley County Deputy transitioned to a conducted energy device and deployed one five second neuromuscular stimulus to the male.

The suspect followed orders to roll over on his stomach and was then handcuffed. A few minutes later the suspect experienced a seizure to which the officers provided first aid as they waited for an ambulance to respond. The male was transported to Francis Mahon Deaconess Hospital for further care. The investigation into this matter is still on going and names will be withheld pending the outcome of the investigation.

The Porcupine Booster Club is sponsoring the Northeast Montana Harvest Festival with events all month long!

KLTZ has confirmed that both candidates for Valley County Commissioner will appear on "Live Under the Big Sky" Tuesday, October 15th. The show airs live from 9:05am to 10am. This is an informational program - not a debate. Call-ins will not be accepted. However, we encourage listeners to submit questions PRIOR to the show. Although every effort will be made to include listener's questions during the show, KLTZ staff will exercise discretion when initiating discussions. To submit questions, email us at kltz@kltz.com.

Fort Peck Summer Theatre announces the 2025 Season Line Up featuring an exciting mix of enduring classics and new hits direct from Broadway. Plus a WORLD PREMIERE!

The Play That Goes Wrong May 23 – June 8 When the accident prone, inept troop of actors attempts to perform a complicated 1920’s murder mystery play, chaos breaks loose. Actors forget lines, set pieces collapse and equipment tumbles. Everything that can possibly go wrong does so, to hilarious effects ending in complete and total happy disarray.

Rock of Ages June 13 – June 29
This show is all about the music featuring iconic 80’s classic rock hits by Journey, Bon Jovi, Poison, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Styx and many others. This five-time Tony Award nominated Broadway musical smash tells the story of a small-town girl, a city boy, and a Rock’n’Roll romance on the Sunset Strip. But when the bar where rock reigns supreme is set to be demolished, it’s up to them and their band of friends of wannabe rock stars to save the day – and the music. Rated PG-13

Turtle the Theatre Cat
Celebrating the 10th Season of FPFAC/AM Theatrical’s touring Theatre for Young Audience series! June/July at various venues throughout NE Montana
It is time to sign up for the annual Talent Show, but Turtle, the Theatre Cat, is not certain that she wants to be in the spotlight. Her friends encourage her to explore all aspects of theatre in preparation for the big show, including costumes, lights and scenery. Though she has a few hiccups and follies, she learns all the secrets of the magic behind the scenes, and more importantly, the vitality of everyone’s creative roles!

Annie July 5 – July 20 Leapin’ Lizards! Winner of seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical, the beloved show features famous characters, a heap of optimism and, of course, the smash hit, Tomorrow. This timeless musical about hope happily makes its return to Fort Peck Summer Theatre, directed by Artistic Director Andy Meyers, who performed in the musical’s National Broadway tour.

Disney’s Newsies July 25 – August 10
Now is the time to seize the day! Inspired by the real-life NYC Newsboy strike of 1899, Disney’s popular movie premiered on film in 1992. To great success, it was adapted into a smash live Broadway musical, utilizing all the famous songs from the film. The show promises to feature athletic choreography, high energy action and lots of heart.

28th Annual Performing Arts Camp July 29 – August 7: Showcase Performance: August 7 @ 7:00p

Dracula August 15 – August 31
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. Dracula is sure to be 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.
2025 Season Volunteer Community Cast Auditions: Mid-February 2025

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Fort Peck Fine Arts Council/Fort Peck Summer Theatre 406.228.9216, fptheatre@nemont.net, Facebook & Instagram www.FortPeckTheatre.org

The Glasgow City Council approved the final piece of a new swimming pool in Glasgow by voting to accept a bid from Corland Construction to build a bathhouse at a cost of $954,080.

The new swimming pool is currently under construction and will be completed by May 31st, 2025. The bathhouse is also set to be completed by the end of May.

Corland Construction is constructing the swimming pool and now has the contract to construct the adjoining bathhouse.

When the pool first went to bid, the bathhouse bid came in at $1.7 million. The Pool Committee had to pull that bid back and revise the specifications for the bathhouse.

The bathhouse that will be constructed will be smaller and include less amenities then first proposed.

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

Absentee ballots for the November General Election will be sent out this week for all absentee voters in Montana.

Absentee voting is very popular in Valley County and in Montana.

In the June Primary Election, there were 3436 absentee ballots sent out in Valley County, with 2436 being returned. 97% of all votes cast in Valley County were absentee votes.

For Montana in the June Primary Election, 449,639 absentee ballots were sent out and 271,413 were returned. 87% of all votes cast in the Primary Election were done by absentee.

The Valley County Commissioners will have their regular meeting on Wednesday, October 9th.

In addition to a slate of federal and statewide races, Montana voters next month will be asked to weigh in on a pair of proposed amendments to the state Constitution rewriting the very process by which they choose their elected officials.

Taken together, Constitutional Initiatives 126 and 127 would amend the Montana Constitution to alter the face of even-year elections from start to finish. CI-126 would jettison the state’s separate party June primaries in favor of a single multi-party primary ballot that would advance up to four candidates to November general elections, while CI-127 would require a majority vote of more than 50% to give a candidate a general election victory. The state Legislature would be responsible for adopting rules on how to handle a no-majority situation.

The proposals, which would only apply to statewide, legislative and congressional races and not those for local or regional offices such as the Public Service Commission, come amid a rise in similar state-level efforts across the country, their backers billing electoral reform as the most promising antidote to political division and entrenched party representation.

Backers of the Montana initiatives argue that they’d together reduce the influence extreme partisanship and special interests have over the state’s politics by boosting competition in November general elections, resulting in more effective public policy. Opponents say they’re skeptical that the changes would work as intended.

“I usually tell people, if you think we’re hitting home runs and everything, this is a well oiled machine, this might not be for you,” Montanans for Election Reform board member Frank Garner told Montana Free Press in an interview. “But the majority of people that I talk to, that the people in our coalition talk to, are desperately concerned about the state of our government and its ability to serve us. It is not about the people, because we’ve had good people serve. It is about the system we use and the behaviors it reinforces.”

Initiative backers including Garner, a former Republican state lawmaker from Kalispell who was part of the comparatively moderate GOP “Solutions Caucus,” argue that Montana’s November general elections in Republican- and Democrat-dominated districts are too often in effect decided months earlier, in June party primaries. They contend this atmosphere gives outsized influence to deep-pocketed donors, special interest groups and the small but fiercely partisan voter blocks with which those interests align. The initiative backers say their goal is a system where elections do a better job of ensuring candidates are consistently held accountable to a broader swath of voters.

Backers say they’ve found support from Democrats and Republicans as well as the Montana Alliance for Retired Americans, Veterans for Montana Voters and the Billings Chamber of Commerce.

“We have a weekly standing gathering of our small businesses, and I’d asked them about this, and eight of those nine [members] said that they don’t want to be constrained to only one party when voting in the primary,” Billings Chamber spokesperson Dan Brooks said on a press call hosted by Montanans for Election Reform last month. “They want to be able to have that independence of choice to help determine who represents them and goes on to the general election.”

Opponents of the initiatives have argued instead that CI-126 and CI-127 would do the opposite, playing into the hands of the entrenched, moneyed interests backers claim to combat. Sen. Greg Hertz, a Republican from Polson appointed by GOP state senate leaders to the committee tasked with formally rebutting the measures, told MTFP he believes placing all candidates on a single primary ballot regardless of party will give those with greater funding and name recognition a considerable advantage. The result, he argued, will incentivize rather than discourage rampant spending in Montana elections.

“If you have somebody who has money and you’re up against five or six or seven or 10 candidates in a legislative race … you’re going to see a lot more mailers, advertisements, social media posts,” Hertz said. “It’ll just expand everything that is being used right now. We’ll just have more candidates, more messaging, more confusion for voters.”

Hertz also argued that by leaving it to the Legislature to develop a tie-breaking system, CI-127 opens the door to protracted and costly run-off systems such as ranked choice voting. Initiative backers have said previously that they believe the Legislature could adopt either an Alaska-style ranked-choice voting system or Georgia-style runoff elections.

Opponents of the initiative have also criticized the amount of financial support the backers have received from out-of-state groups. Montanans for Fair Elections treasurer Lukas Schubert joined a coalition of Republican lawmakers this summer in asking a state court to bar Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen from certifying CI-126 and CI-127 for the November ballot. In an interview with MTFP, Schubert argued the outside funding directed toward the initiatives is indicative of a “big money” push to alter Montana’s election system.

“What it benefits is the corporate side of both parties, and I think it disenfranchises the real grassroots side of both parties,” Schubert said, adding “it’s not necessarily a partisan issue.”

According to financial forms filed with the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, Montanans for Election Reform has raised a total of $7.4 million on its campaign. Its receipts include $4.7 million from Article IV, a Lubbock, Texas-based social welfare nonprofit. Politically active social welfare nonprofits are colloquially known as a “dark money” group as they aren’t required to disclose their donors. Article IV’s website attributes the collapse of bipartisan compromise and rise of political extremism in America to flagging competition in the two-party system and advocates for the use of nonpartisan redistricting commissions and top-four primary systems, such as that proposed in CI-126, to combat the issue.

(Another advocacy group that has provided financial backing for Montanans for Election Reform, Action Now, is funded by John and Laura Arnold, who have also donated to Montana Free Press under a separate wing of their philanthropy.)

Garner acknowledged the nonprofit’s contribution to Montana’s effort, but argued there’s nothing nefarious about Article IV’s involvement. The initiatives originated with and have been shepherded by a board of Montanans from all political stripes, he said, adding that the backers are competing for voter attention with a U.S. Senate race that will likely see hundreds of millions of dollars spent on mailers, social media posts and television ads. Garner characterized Article IV as an essential values-aligned partner in leveling that competitive field.

“To be able to talk to Montanans and educate them on these initiatives, it takes work and it takes resources,” Garner said. “While I’m sure there are people in the opposition out there that wish we would have bake sales to support it, we know that this issue is too important for us to come in second on.”

IRS records compiled by ProPublica show Article IV reported nearly $11 million in donations in 2022, half of which went toward grants to other organizations promoting state-level election system changes including Oregon Ranked Choice Voting and the conservative-led Georgia nonprofit Eternal Vigilance Action.

Proposals to change to primary- and general-election structures are generating considerable discussion across the nation. Many Democrats and Republicans have argued for similar reforms as a balm for America’s political woes, including in Idaho and Utah. But an equally mixed bag of voices from both major parties have logged their criticism, with the Republican National Committee adopting a resolution to oppose ranked choice voting and Washington’s Democratic Secretary of State Steve Hobbs expressing similar concerns.

The growing debate has generated some political science research that, while not exhaustive, appears to skew in the reformers’ direction. In a 2020 paper, political scientist Christian Grose at the University of Southern California examined the effects of systems that advance the top two primary vote-getters regardless of party affiliation on the ideological extremity of congressional lawmakers. Grose studied election results and voting records from the three states to have used such a system — Washington, California and Louisiana — and found a strong correlation to the election of more ideologically moderate legislators, particularly those newly elected to Congress.

His conclusion attributed the results to many of the potential consequences opponents in Montana and elsewhere have cited, including the possibility of general elections that feature only two Republican or two Democratic candidates. However, Grose did note open primary systems that allow voters to cast a ballot for any party, like Montana’s current approach, create a similar moderating effect on candidates.

Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is proud to announce its recognition as the recipient of two 2024 Montana Economic Developers Association (MEDA) Impact Awards. These awards celebrate GNDC’s ongoing efforts to drive economic growth and foster innovation across Northeast Montana.

The first award recognizes the success of GNDC’s 2024 Minnow Tank Competition, an initiative
organized by GNDC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) that supports aspiring
entrepreneurs and expanding businesses that serves a seven-county region of Garfield, McCone,
Valley, Roosevelt, Richland, Daniels and Sheridan Counties. Over $30,000 has been invested in
the local economy since the Minnow Tank Competition’s inception, empowering participants with
business plan training, mentorship, and funding opportunities. In 2024, seven out of the twelve
competitors moved forward with their projects, contributing to job creation and economic development throughout the region.

Quincy Walter, SBDC Advisor for Northeastern Montana and organizer of Minnow Tank expressed
her excitement about the recognition: “We are thrilled to see the lasting impact of Minnow Tank on our community. This competition is not just about securing funding—it’s about giving local businesses the tools, knowledge, and support they need to thrive. This award is a testament to the hard work of our entrepreneurs and our commitment to fostering growth in Northeast Montana.”

The second MEDA Impact Award celebrates GNDC’s role in facilitating the expansion of Farmer’s
Union Oil Company’s fertilizer plant in Circle, Montana. This $3.39 million expansion, made possible
through a USDA Fertilizer Production Expansion Program grant, has significantly increased local
fertilizer capacity, supporting area farmers with competitive pricing and creating new jobs in the
region. The project has enhanced agricultural resilience, bolstered the local economy, and provided
long-term benefits to the community.

Tori Matejovsky, Executive Director of GNDC, emphasized the importance of these projects:
“These awards are a reflection of our commitment to regional development and partnership. From
empowering small businesses through Minnow Tank to supporting agricultural infrastructure, GNDC
is dedicated to making a lasting impact on our communities.”

Great Northern Development Corporation thanks its generous donors, partners, and MEDA for this
incredible honor. Together, we are building a stronger, more resilient future for Northeast Montana.

Despite literal and figurative storm clouds here and abroad, the national average for a gallon of gas still fell by three cents from last week to $3.18. The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene did little to impact gasoline supply, but it crushed demand in affected areas by destroying infrastructure and causing power outages. Meanwhile, the average cost of public EV charging remained unchanged.

Overseas, the ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel are fueling fears that a war could disrupt oil shipments through the Straits of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for maritime traffic. This has led to oil prices creeping higher.

“Despite the threat of war and a hurricane season that is still percolating, domestic gasoline prices are edging lower,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “There are now 18 states east of the Rockies with averages below $3 a gallon. And OPEC+ is saying, at least for now, they will increase production starting December 1st, putting even more downward pressure on pump prices.”

With an estimated 1.2 million AAA members living in households with one or more electric vehicles, AAA tracks the average kilowatt-per-hour cost for all levels of public charging by state. Today’s national average for a kilowatt of electricity at a public charging station is 35 cents.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand plummeted from 9.20 million b/d last week to 8.52. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 220.1 million barrels to 221.2, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.6 million barrels daily. Tepid gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.18, 14 cents less than a month ago and 61 cents less than a year ago.

The average price in Montana is $3.24 and in Valley County the average price is $3.30.

Press Release from Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tourney:

Exciting News for Anglers!

The 2025 Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tournament is just around the corner, and we’re thrilled to announce that registration opens on November 15, 2024!

This year, we’re making a big change: registration will be ONLINE ONLY. As we get closer to the date, we’ll provide you with all the details you need to navigate this new process smoothly. If you have questions, stop by or call the Chamber at 406-228-2222.

Mark your calendars, tell your fishing buddies, and get ready to compete in Montana's premier walleye tournament! Stay tuned for more updates and be sure to follow us for the latest info.

The State of Montana legalized betting on sports in the state in 2020. Sport Bet Montana is run by the Montana Lottery.

Sports betting is huge across the United States and in Montana. Since sports betting became legal in Montana, $223 million has been wagered in the state.

The Montana Lottery on Monday, released sports wagering data for the week ending September 28. These numbers are for one week only:

Amount Bet by the public: $1,680,574
Payout: $1,557,803
Gross Gaming Revenue: $122,771
Sales Agent Commissions: $50,417

The top three sports by percent of the total handle were:

Football (70.4%)
Baseball (16.9%)
Soccer (6.2%)

Outdoor Recreation has exploded in the United States with an economic impact of $1.1 trillion and in Montana the impact is $2.9 billion according to economic estimates.

The number of boats and recreational vehicles in Montana has increased significantly in the past 6 years according to the Montana Department of Motor Vehicles.

In Valley County, in 1998 the number of boats registered totaled 1,845. That number increased to 2,165 in the year 2024.

The number of recreational trailers in Valley County in the year 1998, totaled 1,110. In 2024, that number had increased to 1,383.

There are 162,230 boats registered in Montana while the number of recreational trailers came in at 176,432. The number of motor homes in Montana totaled 54,046.