KLTZ/MIX-93
The VOICE of northeast Montana!!!
News Links: | Local News | Regional News | Obituaries | Valley Happenings | News Archives | Obituary Archives | Live Under The Big Sky | Opportunity Knocks |

Ag Partners, LLC

Bakers Jewelry

Mattfeldt Electric

Glenn's Automotive Repair & Wrecker Service

Oasis Lounge Eatery & Casino

Cape Air

Pehlke's Furniture & Floor Coverings

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Shelly George

Triple A Glass

Will's Office World

Gysler Furniture & Appliance in Wolf Point

Arch's Tire & Service

Hi Line Eye Care

Hi Line Med Spa

Kress Welding & Fabrication

Partly Cloudy, LLC

Council on Aging

Caring Hands Thrift Store

Elle Boutique

Wheatgrass Arts & Gallery

Edward Jones - Bethanie Keim, Local Agent

Latest Local News

Gas Prices Dip Then Tick Up Again Amid Tariff Concerns

Posted (Friday, February 7th 2025)

Amid the threat of tariffs, the national average for a gallon of gas ticked up three cents from last week to $3.14. The national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station stayed the same at 34 cents.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.30 million b/d last week to 8.32. Total domestic gasoline supply rose from 248.9 million barrels to 251.1, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.2 million barrels per day.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.14, 8 cents more than a month ago and one cent less than a year ago.

In Montana, the average price for a gallon of gas is $3.02, 22 cents more than a month ago. The average price in Valley County is $3.00 per gallon.


Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI dropped $1.67 to settle at $71.03 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 8.7 million barrels from the previous week. At 423.8 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

Quick Gas Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are Hawaii ($4.55), California ($4.52), Washington ($3.99), Nevada ($3.71), Oregon ($3.62), Pennsylvania ($3.36), Alaska ($3.33), Arizona ($3.26) Washington, DC ($3.26), and Illinois ($3.26).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.68), Texas ($2.74), Louisiana ($2.77), Oklahoma ($2.77), Tennessee ($2.78), Arkansas ($2.80), Kentucky ($2.81), Alabama ($2.82), Kansas ($2.83), and Missouri ($2.85).

Child Support Payments Could Begin at Conception Under Bill

Posted (Friday, February 7th 2025)

Women in Montana would be able to request child support payments starting at conception if a bill in the Montana House of Representatives becomes law.

The House Judiciary Committee heard support for House Bill 288 Thursday from both sides of the abortion debate. Proponents said fathers should bear part of the financial burden of prenatal care, particularly in unplanned pregnancies.

Opponents, however, said Montana law already allows women to collect child support for prenatal care after a child’s birth and the bill would complicate medical decisions and put victims of sexual and domestic violence at risk of continued assault and manipulation.

Rep. Courtenay Sprunger, R-Kalispell, is carrying the bill and said it is part of being consistent with other pro-life legislation she has supported.

“?If we are to say that life begins at conception, Then we must acknowledge that responsibility and real-life expenses that begin there too,” Sprunger said.

James Talbot is the men’s services lead at Options Clinic, a sexual health clinic in Helena that offers prenatal care and support. Talbot became a father at 19 years old and said he has seen the consequences of low expectations for fathers.

“?Where I was told to expect ruin, I found beauty. You cannot legislate the desire to be a good father into a man's heart, but you can legislate an expectation of his behavior,” Talbot said. “?Many men will rise to a challenge that's laid before them if the challenge will be made.”

Tracy Ullrey is the CEO of Options Clinic and supported the bill.

“?And while this bill cannot address the emotional support, it can address the financial. Circumstances of ‘I cannot afford it’ is the most common reason we hear for women struggling,” Ullrey said.

Opponent Anna Williams, a lawyer focusing on family law, said HB 288 is redundant.

Dr. Timothy Mitchell also opposed the bill. Mitchell specializes in maternal medicine for high-risk pregnancies. He said the bill may influence possible fathers to determine pregnancy as early as possible.

“HB 288 introduces pressure for early paternity determinations, which could coerce individuals into undergoing unnecessary and invasive testing, such as chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis,” Mitchell said.

The committee has not yet voted on HB 288.

Clayton Murphy is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Murphy can be reached at clayton.murphy@umconnect.umt.edu.

Glasgow couple can sue DPHHS workers in federal court

Posted (Thursday, February 6th 2025)

Story credit to https://dailymontanan.com/2025/02/05/glasgow-couple-can-sue-dphhs-workers-in-federal-court/

A Glasgow couple that had their child removed by employees from the State of Montana’s Child and Family Services have cleared their first legal hurdle in federal court with charges that those same employees engaged in “judicial deception” in order to convince a state court judge to remove the child to psychiatric care and later transfer her to the care of another parent living in Canada.

U.S. Federal Magistrate Judge Timothy Cavan has ruled that Todd Kolstad’s case against two CFS workers, Cyndi Baillargeon and Crystal Whitmore, can continue because the case doesn’t relitigate what Montana state courts have already decided, rather it raises a new claim that the state employees misled court officials, depriving Todd Kolstad and his wife of their parental rights.

Meanwhile, attorneys for the State of Montana argued unsuccessfully that several legal doctrines should have stopped the case in federal court. For example, a legal concept known as “collateral estoppel” stops people who are unsatisfied with a state court answer from relaunching the case in federal court as a means to get around the other court decision. And yet another doctrine, known as the “Rooker-Feldman” doctrine, also prohibits federal courts from deciding a case that was adjudicated in state court.

However, Cavan said that the Kolstads are not arguing with the decision of the state to take the child, nor does the case challenge the decision of the courts to send the child to live with the non-custodial parent in Canada. Instead, because the state courts dismissed the case without a final determination and because the Kolstads argue that the state court was persuaded by alleged lies of the CFS workers, the case will move forward in the federal court system.

Because Cavan is a magistrate judge, the state will have 14 days to appeal his decision to the district court judge, Susan P. Watters.

The case stems from a controversy in 2024 when the Kolstads’ minor child who said he identified as male, but was born a biological female, claimed to have drank poison, which prompted a trip to the hospital and calls to the state’s Child and Family Services. Although hospital tests later revealed no poison, officials with CFS worried that the child was suicidal and in need of immediate psychiatric care.

The parents saw the child’s transgender identity as sinful according to their religious beliefs and didn’t object to placing their child in psychiatric care, but did not want the child leaving the state of Montana, believing that other states would begin gender-affirming treatment without their permission. Meanwhile, a bed became available in a Wyoming facility where state officials sent the child. Ultimately, the child was united with a parent in Canada.

The Kolstads argue that their rights to parent were taken away by the deception of the two CFS workers who misused the law and courts to wrest custody away from them while ignoring their religious beliefs. The case made international headlines and several political leaders have intervened, including Montana Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras, who reviewed the case, and agreed with the CFS’ determination. Juras is an attorney and former law school professor.

Rep. William Mercer, R-Billings, has also asked to review the case and was forced to take the administration to the Montana Supreme Court, where he successfully argued that Montana law and legislative privilege allowed him to review the case, including text messages and emails among state employees.

Cavan summarized the heart of the case:

“Kolstad does not argue that the state court’s orders were wrong, but, rather, that the (CFS workers’) actions which led to the orders were wrong,” the order said. “The parents asserted that the defendants committed perjury, deceived the court and otherwise acted fraudulently during the state juvenile proceedings.”

Legislature Looks To Change Montana Dueling Law

Posted (Thursday, February 6th 2025)

Under current Montana law, the winner of a duel may be responsible for supporting the family of their slain opponent.

Even though killing someone, in a duel or not, is illegal, that code from 1895 is still on the books. House Bill 247 would repeal it.

Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Colombia Falls, is carrying the bill, which passed the House Wednesday and now moves to the Senate.

“This wasn’t a bill I thought I’d be bringing this session but after working with the Lieutenant Governor on more serious red-tape relief bills, she mentioned this outdated section of code from 1895 and asked if I would carry this for her office,” Mitchell said.

Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras said in a committee meeting for the bill last week that the old law sort of implies dueling is legal.

“We review the code on a systematic basis to identify outdated, unnecessary statutes and this was a fun one that came to our attention,” Juras said.

Juras and the governor’s office have made revising outdated or overcomplicated laws a focal point this session.

Juras said the dueling portion of the Montana Code was last updated in 2009 to make the law, along with the rest of the Montana Code, gender-neutral. The change made it so damages would apply if a spouse of any gender were killed or injured in a duel.

Clayton Murphy is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Murphy can be reached at clayton.murphy@umconnect.umt.edu.

Runoff For Missouri River Basin Continues To Be Below Average

Posted (Thursday, February 6th 2025)

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average.

January runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 0.7 million acre-feet, 92% of average. Runoff was near or below average for most of the Missouri River Basin, and most of the upper basin had below-normal precipitation.

“Runoff into the reservoir system was below average for the month of January and conditions across the basin remain dry,” said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “With the below-average plains and mountain snowpack we are forecasting a below-average runoff year for the basin.”

The 2025 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 20.6 MAF, 80% of average. The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, plains snowpack, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks.

At the start of the 2025 runoff season, which typically begins around March 1, the total volume of water stored in the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System is expected to be 50.0 MAF, 6.1 MAF below the top of the carryover multiple use zone.

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

Mountain and Plains Snowpack:

Mountain snowpack in the upper Missouri River Basin is accumulating at below average rates. The Feb. 3 mountain snowpack in the Fort Peck reach was 85% of average, while the mountain snowpack in the Fort Peck to Garrison reach was 92% of average. By Feb. 1, about 60% of the total mountain snowfall has typically accumulated. Mountain snow normally peaks near April 17. The mountain snowpack graphics can be viewed at: http://go.usa.gov/xARQC.

Reservoir Forecasts:


Fort Peck Dam
Average releases past month – 5,500 cfs
Current release rate – 5,500 cfs
Forecast average release rate – 5,500 cfs
End-of-January reservoir level – 2225.9 feet
Forecast end-of-February reservoir level – 2225.7 feet
Notes: Releases will remain at 5,500 cfs in February.


Hydropower:

The six mainstem power plants generated 563 million kWh of electricity in January. Typical energy generation in January is 707 million kWh. Forecast generation for 2025 is 8.4 billion kWh compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh.

Glasgow School Board Meeting Notes

Posted (Thursday, February 6th 2025)

The Glasgow School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Wednesday.

Action items taken by the board:

Voted to renew the contracts of Glasow Middle School Principal Mike Zoanni, Glasgow High School Principal Brett Huntsman and Irle School Principal Linda Hudyma.

Nicole Looney, Alexis Carter, Arissa Ryan and Gentry Christophel were hired for substitute positions as classified staff.

The board was informed that Heather Zeller will be retiring from her Librarian/English teacher position at Glasgow High School.

The board approved the Glasgow School District Graduate Profile which is a part of the accreditation process.

The board voted to approve the 2025 school election resolution. The resolution calls for a school election on May 6th and the election will include a trustee election for two positions and the possibility of a mill levy election.

The FY 2024 audit was approved by the Glasgow School Board.

Glasgow School Enrollment was 765 students for the January enrollment count. This is an increase of 23 students from January of 2024.

For the full recording of the meeting: https://www.glasgow.k12.mt.us/page/school-board

City Of Glasgow Moving Snow On Thursday

Posted (Wednesday, February 5th 2025)

The City of Glasgow will be working on the streets Thursday – 2nd Avenue from 3rd Street to 6th Street, plus 5th street from the Oasis to 1st Avenue.

ALL VEHICLES NEED TO BE MOVED

The City of Glasgow has implemented a snow removal plan. You can view the document here:
https://www.cityofglasgowmt.com

Can President Trump Boost Oil Production

Posted (Wednesday, February 5th 2025)

Several U.S. oil and gas companies have warned that they will not be looking to increase production unless prices increase significantly. Before his inauguration, President Donald Trump stated he wanted to “Drill, Baby, Drill”, when it came to oil and gas. However, oil majors are concerned that increasing oil and gas output even further could create a glut and drive prices down, something they want to avoid.

On his first day in office, President Trump declared an energy emergency, stating, “The integrity and expansion of our Nation’s energy infrastructure is an immediate and pressing priority for the protection of the United States’ national and economic security.”

Trump signed several executive orders on his first day in office, including one on energy that includes a wide range of provisions aiming to “unleash America’s affordable and reliable energy and natural resources”. This effectively ended the Biden administration’s pause on the approval of new LNG exports. It also commenced processes for easing regulations on oil and gas production. Trump also signed an order to lift restrictions on oil, gas, and mineral production in Alaska and announced plans to establish an inter-agency working group to determine and implement measures to expedite oil and gas development.

Last year, U.S. oil and gas production rose to record highs. U.S. crude output increased by 260,000 bpd month-on-month, to a record 13.46 million bpd, in October, in line with demand growth, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). In 2024, drilling operations became more efficient, allowing for greater output. However, weaker-than-expected demand growth in several parts of the world, particularly China, contributed to lower oil prices.

Many oil and gas companies have shown support for Trump’s executive orders, which will make it easier to conduct operations, including new exploration projects and production increases. However, several oil executives have said that these new policies will not lead to an immediate boost in output, stating concerns over oil prices. While Trump hopes to help reduce inflation by decreasing energy prices for consumers, many oil companies are hesitant to increase output without the guarantee of higher oil and gas prices.


Ron Gusek, the president of oil field services company Liberty Energy, stated, “What you are seeing is a huge amount of positivity.” Gusek added, “But it’s too early to say that that’s going to translate into a change in actual activity levels here in North America.”

U.S. oil and gas companies have spent huge amounts in increasing their oil and gas production in recent years. This is largely in response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and subsequent sanctions on Russian energy, which created an oil and gas shortage around the globe and drove prices up. In addition, with the International Energy Agency’s warning that the demand for fossil fuels will decline from 2030, many oil and gas companies are exploiting their resources while global demand remains high. However, after several years of spending, many are reluctant to invest more without the guarantee of a return. Brent Benchmark crude oil prices are expected to average $74 per barrel in 2025, marking a decrease from $81 in 2024, according to the EIA.

There is a potential for a big market shift now that Trump is President. Several customers have shown interest in signing long-term deals for U.S. gas exports since he entered office, according to Ben Dell, a managing partner of the energy investment firm Kimmeridge. Dell explained, “People want to be early and in the forefront of signing up for U.S. products to try and stave off potential tariff threats.”

Trump has repeatedly threatened to introduce 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican products, including energy. He initially said that he planned to introduce the tariffs on his first day in office, which he corrected to 1st February, and now he may push until April, to allow time for negotiation between country officials, according to several sources. The introduction of tariffs on oil and gas could drive up prices and increase reliance on domestic production.

At present, U.S. exploration and production companies are expected to target a 5 percent production growth this year, and flat to slightly lower year-over-year capital expenditures, according to analysts at Scotiabank. This is with the exception of Exxon Mobil, which has plans for a large increase in production.


Rob Thummel, a senior portfolio manager at Tortoise Capital, explained, “We expect most oil and gas producers to remain disciplined with capital expenditures. However, less regulation will make it easier to increase drilling activity if commodity prices reach levels that are too high.”

Despite Trump’s best efforts to immediately push oil and gas production up, it appears that U.S. fossil fuel producers will only increase output if the price is right. The introduction of several executive orders favoring oil and gas will make it easier to develop new projects and produce more if oil majors desire. It could also encourage more customers to invest in U.S. oil and gas, to avoid tariffs on foreign energy products. However, it is unlikely to have an immediate effect on U.S. oil and gas output, which is already at a record high, unless the Brent Benchmark looks set to increase.

Valley County Commissioners Meeting Today

Posted (Wednesday, February 5th 2025)

Glasgow Kiwanis Club Presents BUG Awards

Posted (Wednesday, February 5th 2025)

The BUG (Bring Up Grades) Awards were presented by the Glasgow Kiwanis Club to students in grades 6, 7 and 8 who improved their grades between the first and second quarters. They were presented with BUG Award certificates printed by the Chamber of Commerce and provided by Kiwanis. They were served ice cream with toppings by High School Key Club students Hannah Holinde and Mollie Whitmer, and Middle School Builders Club students Holt Huntsman and Brynlie Harris assisted by Faculty advisor Laurie Enebo, Principal Mike Zoanni, Glasgow Kiwanis President Brenner Flaten, and Kiwanis secretary Charles Wilson.

Students in the sixth grade are Anders Aune, Kolbi Staggenborg and Joel Guttenberg. Students in the seventh grade are Olivia Jackson, Blaire Billingsley, Arrow Henry, Leighton Chapman, Tate Loftsgaard, Oliver Kemp, Adam Weber, Kaydee Brown, Lilyanna Mix, Nevaeh Johnson, and Rueby Nixdorf. Students in the eighth grade are Aubrey Holinde, Laynee Bakeberg, Ryder Bilger, Breelyn Marsalak, Tay Morehouse,David Flaten, Aiden Aune, Jaxson Kemp, Nikolas Kulczyk, Amiya Ryan, and Lillian Massey. Paxton Bilger was absent but also received BUG.

BUG Honor Roll is one of the many programs of Kiwanis International whose motto is Serving the Children of the World, and is offered by many Kiwanis clubs throughout the world. Anyone interested in joining Kiwanis is invited to visit with any member or contact Pres. Brenner Flaten.

Senate Advances Bill That Would Criminalize Gender-Affirming Care for Minors

Posted (Tuesday, February 4th 2025)

The Montana Senate advanced a bill Monday that would make providing gender-affirming care to children under the age of 16 a felony for endangering the welfare of a child.

Senate Bill 164 would classify surgical procedures, puberty blockers or hormones like testosterone and estrogen provided to children for gender-affirming treatment as criminal offenses.

Proponents of the bill said it would protect children from life-altering procedures while opponents said it would infringe on parental rights, cost the state money to enforce and potentially break up families if parents seek care for their children.

Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, is carrying the bill. In 2023, the Legislature passed a similar bill from Fuller but that has been held up in the courts. Fuller said on the Senate floor that SB 164 would avoid that same fate because it amends current child abuse laws to include providing this type of care.

“We have a compelling state interest to prevent children from being mutilated physically and chemically. So that they have lifelong medical intervention problems. I urge you, please, to protect the children of Montana,” Fuller said.

Sen. Daniel Emrich, R-Great Falls, agreed. He said Montana has a child abuse crisis that SB 164 seeks to address.

Bozeman Democratic Sen. Cora Neumann opposed the bill, addressing parents directly during part of her argument.

“Parents should have the freedom to make the best choices that they can for their children. The state does not have a compelling interest in increasing suicide rates and separating families, which is what this bill would do,” Neumann said.

Fuller said the bill would not penalize mental health support for gender dysphoria, an issue he acknowledged was of increasing importance.

The bill passed an initial vote of 30-20 with all but two Republicans voting for it and all Democrats voting against. It faces a final vote in the Senate before moving to the House of Representatives.

Clayton Murphy is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Murphy can be reached at clayton.murphy@umconnect.umt.edu.

Scotties Compete At State Speech And Drama Meet

Posted (Monday, February 3rd 2025)

Glasgow Speech and Drama State Results from Huntley Project High School:

James Pearson in Impromptu- 7th Place (individual placer)
Mirax Lipscomb in Humorous Solo- 13th Place
Connor Whitmer in Spontaneous Oral Interpretation- 2nd (individual placer)
Kai Combs in Dramatic Oral Interpretation- 10th Place
Gabe Proctor in Humorous Oral Interpretation- 6th place (individual placer)
Gabe Allen in Lincoln/Douglass Debate-11th Place
Emmy Gutow and Cody Lacock in Humorous Theater-19th Place

Glasgow City Council To Meet Monday

Posted (Monday, February 3rd 2025)

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

Montana State Senate Committee Passes Legislation That Would Require Ten Commandments Placed In Every School And Classroom In Montana

Posted (Monday, February 3rd 2025)

If you post the Ten Commandments in a classroom, students will read the rule against committing adultery, and Sen. Cora Neumann had a question about that situation.

The Montana Legislature already has told schools to notify parents about anything related to sex — even teaching Romeo and Juliet — so parents can have their children “opt out” of the lesson in question.

Given that consideration, Neumann wondered how teachers would handle the situation with the Ten Commandments — from a practical standpoint.

“This is actually going against our own Legislature’s ruling of the last session of exposing children to explicit sexual references,” said Neumann, D-Bozeman.

Patrick Yawakie had a request rather than a question given that the Christian religion was used to justify enslavement, genocide and force Native American children into boarding schools.

“We would like to see an amendment … which would include the Indian Ten Commandments also be displayed in all public school classrooms,” said Yawakie, representing the Blackfeet Nation, Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, and Fort Belknap Indian Community; he provided a copy to the committee.

The senator and lobbyist were responding to Senate Bill 114, to require public school trustees to post the Ten Commandments — on a minimum 11” by 14” poster or framed document — in each classroom in every public school in Montana.

It passed 6-3 on party lines Friday without amendment after it was heard in committee the same day.

Proposed by Sen. Bob Phalen, R-Lindsay, the bill is similar to a law in Louisiana — under litigation in federal court — and a proposal some legal scholars see as a test for whether the new U.S. Supreme Court is more amenable to government accommodation of religion.

Former legislator Keith Regier spoke in support of the bill and asked why Montanans would keep history from students by avoiding a display. He said everyone has a faith — some may put their faith in money or government or their own abilities.

Regier also said the Sabbath is observed in society — “we call it the weekend” — and God is mentioned in the Declaration of Independence, on money, in music, and he couldn’t see a reason God couldn’t be mentioned in schools, too.

“The courts need to understand that by removing God, they’re replacing it with nothing. No God? That’s called atheism,” Regier said.

Although the hearing Friday drew support and opposition from Montanans, it also pulled national heavy hitters in the debate to the Capitol.

Matt Krause, legal counsel with First Liberty Institute whose biography identifies him as having successfully defended people who allege their religious rights have been violated, offered a legal rationale for the bill. He said First Liberty Institute is the largest organization in the country dedicated to advancing religious liberties.

David Barton, identified by the Texas Tribune as a “staple of Texas’ Christian conservative movement,” also attended the hearing in person, holding up his own copies of the Ten Commandments. Barton, with WallBuilders, has argued the separation of church and state is a myth.

In introducing his bill, Phalen said it was drafted based on the legislation in Louisiana. Phalen said Christianity has played a prominent role in shaping western civilization, the Ten Commandments are part of the history of the country, and they should be shown in Montana schools.

A legal review of the bill by legislative staff said it may conflict with the First Amendment’s prohibitions on establishment of religion, but Phalen said that review should be disregarded given it is “a new day for the religious freedom America.”

He said the U.S. Supreme Court itself displays an estimated 50 versions of the Ten Commandments inside and out — an observation Barton shared at the podium as well. And Phalen said they are displayed on the state Capitol grounds too.

Just last week, the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals heard arguments about the law in Louisiana that requires displays of the Ten Commandments in schools. A lower court found the requirement violates the First Amendment’s protections regarding separation of church and state and free exercise of religion.

In Montana, the legal review by legislative staff pointed to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in 1980 in Stone v. Graham over a Kentucky law requiring the Ten Commandments be posted in classrooms. The court found the purpose for posting was religious, and the law conflicted with the establishment clause of the First Amendment.

“The Supreme Court also stated that posting religious texts on classroom walls did not serve an educational function and thus violated the Constitution, in contrast to the Constitutionally permissible inclusion of the Bible in a study of history, civilization, ethics, or comparative religions,” said the legal review.

In Louisiana, the law is on hold in the five districts involved in the lawsuit, and it’s in effect in districts that are not among the defendants in the case, Roake vs. Brumley, according to reporting from the Louisiana Illuminator. The court is expected to rule in short order.

In Montana, both proponents and opponents of the bill pointed to the legal landscape to defend their positions. The ACLU of Montana — an affiliate of the national ACLU, which is representing plaintiffs in the Louisiana case — argued the bill would violate the separation of church and state.

However, under questioning by Sen. Laura Smith, D-Helena, the ACLU of Montana’s Henry Seaton said the proposal raised concerns beyond the legal problems.

The ACLU has been involved in litigation against the state, and Seaton said defending lawsuits has cost the state millions of dollars, and it’s money that could go toward lowering property taxes or helping lower income people with food.

“To spend it on something that we know is futile litigation doesn’t make much sense in my mind,” Seaton said.

However, also in response to Smith, who is an attorney, Krause argued a difference exists between mandating a denomination and displaying a document on a wall. Krause said the First Amendment has two relevant parts — an establishment clause and a free exercise clause.

“Are you compelling somebody to exercise their religion in a certain way just by reading the words of the Ten Commandments? I don’t think you are,” Krause said, and he said much case law backs up his position.

Smith, though, said legal findings mostly go a different direction. She said children in a public school setting where such a display is required are a captive audience, but Krause said they can assess the message, and choose to ignore it.

He also said the prohibition on hanging up a copy of the Ten Commandments was only in place the last 40 years, and the U.S. Supreme Court has opened the door to revisiting the idea again in Kennedy vs. Bremerton School District — a case his organization worked on.

That case involved a high school coach who prayed on the field at football games. The school board argued the district didn’t want to be seen as establishing a religion, but the Supreme Court said the coach was free to express his religious ideas.

Krause also said the Ten Commandments qualify as part of history and tradition, which is why they should be allowed to stay in classrooms. However, he discouraged adding other documents to the bill that don’t “have the history of tradition.”

A high school student from Helena who is heading to Johns Hopkins University offered a different analysis, and Chair Barry Usher, R-Billings, asked the student to bring more of his peers to the Capitol.

The student, Charles Snellman, said although the Supreme Court placed more emphasis on tradition and historical practices, he still believes the bill would be problematic. It implies that one specific religion is superior, he said, and it could alienate students.

“Even from a historical lens, mandating the display of specific religious texts in public school classrooms is unprecedented and would be widely viewed as government endorsement,” Snellman said.

High school teacher Brendan Work, of Missoula, said he didn’t want to frighten anyone, but he has taught dozens, potentially hundreds, of Muslim students, many from other countries and many of them homegrown.

“Frankly, what this bill does is it incites hostility against members of faiths including, as I mentioned, my Muslim students, many of whom are practicing Orthodox students with a closer relationship to God than almost anyone else,” Work said.

But Work said Jewish students, Indigenous students, and students still figuring out their beliefs need the freedom to understand different faiths in a way that is not coercive. He said displaying a symbol of Christianity would alienate his Muslim students’ sense of being American.

“Nothing is more likely to harm their sense of being welcome than that,” Work said.

As for the commandment to avoid adultery, Steve Thennis, with Montanans Organized For Education, addressed the practical consideration raised by Neumann.

Thennis said the notification requirement has been met with pushback from parents because they were getting too many emails. However, Thennis said the Ten Commandments hanging on a wall in every classroom posed a special challenge.

“There’s no opt-out option anywhere, and that’s one of my concerns,” Thennis said.

In April 2024, a group of parents, teachers and other plaintiffs filed a lawsuit over the parental notification law, Senate Bill 99 from 2021, and the case is pending.

Valley County Community Foundation Grant Application Cycle Is Now Open

Posted (Monday, February 3rd 2025)

The Valley County Community Foundation would like to announce to the community that the 2025 grant application is currently open until March 31st. Grant applications will only be accepted online at our website, valleycountycf.net. Paper applications will no longer be accepted

Community groups, such as 501c(3) organizations, schools, and government entities, who are working to complete a project and looking for capital funds to assist in their project are encouraged to apply.

In 2024, the Valley County Community Foundation awarded over $45,000 to 12 projects around the county. A few of those projected included new flooring for the Nashua Senior Citizens Center, playground equipment for the Opheim Community Park, lawn mowing equipment in Hinsdale, and upgraded lighting at the Glasgow City/County Library.

The Valley County Community Foundation is a steward of a community savings account through which private assets, entrusted by donors, are invested to meet the challenges of contemporary life. The Foundation is the guardian of a permanent endowment where the income is used to help fund economic, cultural and charitable projects in Valley County.

Deadline for applications is March 31 , 2025 and can be found at valleycountycf.net.

Glasgow School Board Meets Wednesday

Posted (Monday, February 3rd 2025)

The Glasgow School Board will have their regular February meeting on Wednesday at 6pm in the Gary F. Martin Board Room at the Central Office of the Glasgow School District.

Initiative Provides Assistance to Farmers and Ranchers Directly Impacted by the St. Mary Siphon Failure

Posted (Monday, February 3rd 2025)

Failure
Bozeman, Mont., Oct. 1, 2024 – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Montana is accepting applications for the St. Mary Initiative. Farmers and ranchers in Blaine, Glacier, Hill, Phillips, and Valley counties including the Blackfeet Nation and the Fort Belknap Indian Community directly impacted by the St. Mary Canal siphon failure should visit their local NRCS office now to apply. The final application batching date for the initiative will be Feb. 28, 2025.
“We’ve been working closely with partners critical to the rehabilitation of the St. Mary system as well as agricultural stakeholders to understand how we can best support ag producers in the region,” said Tom Watson, NRCS State Conservationist for Montana. “Our technical and financial assistance will help farmers and ranchers that won’t get the usual irrigation water supplies or livestock water due to the siphon failure.”

The St. Mary Initiative will focus on key conservation practices to mitigate resource concerns that could be caused by the loss of irrigation water in the St. Mary Canal and Milk River system. Producers in the region may not be able to plant annual crops, irrigate forage, or provide adequate stockwater. Conservation practices in the initiative include cover crops, fence, livestock water systems, and upland wildlife habitat management. There are options within the cover crop practice to allow for haying or grazing while meeting requirements for adequate soil cover. Upland wildlife habitat management will incentivize leaving perennial stands unharvested through the growing season to rest stands stressed by lack of irrigation water so that plant health and wildlife food and cover are maintained. Stockwater practices will be available for pastures where the only source of water was the St. Mary Canal or the Milk River. The initiative also provides fencing where the boundary of a pasture was the St. Mary Canal or the Milk River.

The St. Mary Initiative will be funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) using the Act Now application process. Applications eligible for the St. Mary Initiative will be accepted on a continuous sign-up basis. To be considered for this funding cycle, applications must be received by Feb. 28, 2025. Applications received after that date may be considered in other relevant ranking pools. St. Mary Initiative applications will be processed in the order received and those that rank above the established minimum ranking score of 50 will be pre-approved as funds are available. Farmers and ranchers that apply won’t need to wait for all applications to be ranked to find out if their application was funded.

Producers directly impacted by the St. Mary Canal siphon failure are encouraged to visit the local NRCS office now to begin the planning process and submit applications. Once fiscal year 2025 EQIP funds are received in Montana, the St. Mary Initiative application ranking and pre-approval process will begin. Early planning will help producers to have time to implement practices for the 2025 growing season.

The St. Mary EQIP initiative will help to offset potential affects like increased soil erosion and decreased forage production on ag operations that usually irrigate with water from the Milk River Project. The initiative will also provide alternatives to ranchers that use the St. Mary Canal as a livestock barrier or for stockwater.

Get more information from the local NRCS office. Find contact information at nrcs.usda.gov/contact. Information is also available at nrcs.usda.gov/montana.

Legislature Debates Physician-Assisted Suicide

Posted (Saturday, February 1st 2025)

A Montana Senate committee will now decide whether to advance a bill that would take away a patient’s consent as a viable defense in cases of physician-assisted suicide after it heard hours of emotional debate Thursday.

Proponents of Senate Bill 136 argue that the practice of medical aid in dying endangers vulnerable people and corrupts the doctor’s purpose, and opponents argue the practice brings a more peaceful end to the terminally ill.

A Montana Supreme Court case in 2009 opened the door for legal assisted suicide in the state when the court ruled in favor of two terminally ill patients who sought to allow a physician to write a prescription for medical aid in dying.

Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, is the sponsor of the bill. He has carried similar legislation in past Legislative sessions.

“Physicians should not be helping people commit suicide,” Glimm said. “It endangers the weak and vulnerable. It corrupts the practice of medicine and the doctor-patient relationship. It compromises the family and the intergenerational commitments of caring for one another.”

But Dr. Colette Kirchhoff, a family, hospice and palliative physician, said the practice is not something that any doctor enters into lightly. She clarified that the practice is only used for the terminally ill who have suffered for a long time, and the patient must be of sound mind and able to describe exactly why they wish to end their life.

“This is a transparent, very thoughtful, and peaceful process,” Kirchhoff said. “These people have thought about this sometimes years before they even come on our hospice. They have been suffering and trying so hard to live.”

Montana is one of eleven states in the nation that currently allows the practice of physician assisted suicide, according to the advocacy group Compassion and Choices.

Emma White is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. White can be reached at emma.white@umconnect.umt.edu.

Gasoline Prices Drop This Week According To AAA

Posted (Friday, January 31st 2025)

Easing oil costs and tepid domestic demand helped pump prices ease up on the pedal, shedding two cents since last week to $3.11.

“We are about halfway through winter, so there may be fewer seasonal spikes at the pump,” Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.08 million b/d last week to 8.30. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 245.9 million barrels to 248.9, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.2 million barrels daily.

Thursday's national average for a gallon of gas is $3.11, nine cents more than a month ago and one penny less than a year ago.

The average price for gasoline in Montana is $2.99 per gallon while Valley County has an average of $3.00 per gallon according to AAA.


Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.15 to settle at $72.62 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 3.5 million barrels from the previous week. At 415.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.


Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are Hawaii ($4.55), California ($4.45), Washington ($3.95), Nevada ($3.67), Oregon ($3.55), Pennsylvania ($3.36), Alaska ($3.31), Washington, DC ($3.28), Illinois ($3.27), and Maryland ($3.25).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.72), Texas ($2.73), Arkansas ($2.76), Louisiana ($2.79), Kentucky ($2.80), South Carolina ($2.81), Alabama ($2.82), Kansas ($2.82), and Tennessee ($2.82).

Legislators Considering Proposal Directing Millions In State Funding Towards Raising Starting Teacher Pay

Posted (Friday, January 31st 2025)

Dozens of educators and students from across Montana this week painted a dire picture of the financial realities facing public schools, as they and lawmakers got their first detailed look at a much-anticipated proposal to direct millions in state funding toward raising starting teacher pay.

The so-called STARS Act — short for Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success — made its debut before the Legislature’s House Education Committee on Wednesday, marking a key milestone on an issue that’s been brewing in the legislative interim for nearly two years.

Proponents packed the small hearing room in the Capitol to share personal reflections on the teacher shortage that drove lawmakers to craft the bill, one of the defining pieces of education policy so far this session. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte has already committed $100 million to the legislation via his proposed budget for the coming two years.

Some supporters testified before the committee about the financial strain districts have experienced in recent years due to rising inflation, stagnant state funding and challenges passing local property tax levies required to pull down additional state dollars. Others spoke directly to the teacher experience — the low wages and high living costs that have made it increasingly difficult to find or hold on to new classroom hires.

“Recruiting and retaining good teachers is harder today than it’s ever been,” Lolo School District Superintendent Dale Olinger told the committee. “I have many staff with a side hustle. It used to be a joke, and now it’s not.”

In testimony, Jacob Warner, a mathematics and robotics teacher at Helena’s Capital High School, said “things have not been easy for teachers. Lately, class sizes have gone up. Teachers in my building are being asked to teach extra classes every spring. Phenomenal teachers in my building get pink slips, causing uncertainty and stress for them, their families and their students.”

Brockton Public Schools Superintendent Josh Patterson told the committee that “finding myself unable to hire or attract, to recruit, American [teacher] candidates, I found myself having to look overseas for foreign teachers. It started off with five, then it grew to 10. Now in year four, I’m at 16 — 16 foreign teachers, all from the Philippines, and that’s due in large part to our inability to recruit good teachers.”

The testimony put a face to the financial hardship that Rep. Llew Jones, R-Conrad, said he hopes to remedy through House Bill 252. Jones’ proposal would effectively double state payments to a district associated with the number of full-time qualified staff it employs, provided the base teacher salary in the district meets certain benchmarks related to its average teacher pay.

The bill also expands the type of employees who generate those payments from just licensed teachers to all licensed staff, allows districts in high-cost areas to raise more local revenue to fund housing assistance for employees, and creates a new “future-ready” payment tied to students who earn career-oriented or college-level credits while in high school.

In addressing the committee, Jones cast the various components of his bill as incentives to help push Montana’s public schools toward better conditions for teachers and students alike.


“If we want the student outcomes to increase, we’ve got to incentivize student outcomes increasing,” he said. “If we want to have a more personalized learning system, we have to create an incentive that allows for it. If we truly believe the best practices across the country are to allow folks to achieve both vision and skill, then incentive it that. Or we can keep doing what we’re doing and change nothing.”

Jones and other lawmakers mapped much of the course charted in the STARS Act during a string of legislative meetings over the past two years following the 2023 session. Their focus on teacher pay as a route to more success and stability in Montana’s public schools gained further backing recently with the release of a report by the Department of Labor and Industry estimating the average wage for an entry-level teacher in the state at $38,800. In a Jan. 8 letter to Jones attached to the report, DLI Director Sarah Swanson also emphasized the role second jobs are playing in teachers’ lives, noting their average earnings from such jobs are $4,700.

“We are one of only two states in the country, us and Florida, that experienced real wage growth for almost every profession last year except for our public educators,” Swanson said Wednesday while testifying in favor of the STARS Act. “This bill represents a very data-driven, thoughtful way to analyze real data that you’ll see in this report to drive meaningful increases to achieve the Legislature’s goal of base pay increases for our educators.”

No one spoke in opposition to the bill Wednesday. But several proponents did express concern over HB 252’s use of average district teacher salaries in calculating the base wages districts would have to meet in order to qualify, arguing the approach may impact union-negotiated pay scales for more experienced teachers. Members of the committee explored that concern further as the hearing approached the two-hour mark, asking Jones why the STARS Act focused so heavily on starting teachers alone.

Jones acknowledged the issue, but replied that money is “a scarce resource” — a point that hasn’t gone unnoticed even among those teachers supportive of raising starting teacher pay but worried about the myriad other financial pressures competing for space in tight district budgets.

“Everybody wants teachers to make more money,” Warner told the committee. “My superintendent has told me time and time again he would like nothing more than to give every teacher the biggest raise in the world. But if the money’s not there, the money’s not there.”

If the STARS Act clears the House Education Committee in the coming weeks, it will advance to the House floor for a vote.

Notice From Valley County Transit

Posted (Thursday, January 30th 2025)

Valley County Transit would like to thank our customers for your patience as we deal with a driver shortage. This has been difficult for everyone, putting a lot of stress on the drivers and dispatchers who are trying to provide a great service to the community.

We want you to know that if you need to go out during the day, your best chance of getting a ride is after 8:30 am and before 3:00 pm Monday through Thursday. Anything outside of those hours could leave you stranded for an hour or more. Keep in mind, there is no service after 5:00 pm.

We feel it would be important for you to understand some of the tough decisions we are having to make. In the last 2 months, we have had 2 drivers leave employment and we currently have 2 other drivers out for medical reasons. We made the decision to eliminate all service after 5:00 pm and are looking for other solutions. This is not just a problem for us, it is happening around the country and other businesses in our own community are struggling with this same problem.

Boone And Crockett Club Approves Request By Fort Peck Tribes To Accept Bison Entries Into Records Program

Posted (Thursday, January 30th 2025)

The Boone and Crockett Club unanimously approved a request by the Fort Peck Tribes to accept bison entries hunted on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation in northern Montana into their records program. The decision recognizes the Tribes’ success in building a wild, free-ranging bison herd on their reservation using a sustainable management plan since the first bison were transferred to the reservation from Yellowstone National Park in 1999.

“Bison restoration in collaboration with tribal fish and wildlife management agencies is truly a success story and we are very excited to recognize these incredible bison bulls from the Fort Peck Reservation in our records program,” commented the Boone and Crockett Club’s director of big game records, Kyle Lehr. “The origin of our program was to record what was thought to be the vanishing big game in the country and to mark conservation success based on the principle that the existence of mature, male specimens is an indicator of overall population and habitat health. The Fort Peck Tribes have led the way on establishing a wild, free-ranging herd of bison and it makes sense to include these incredible animals in the Club’s nearly century old Records of North American Big Game.”

The Fort Peck Tribes’ Fish & Game Department has developed a management plan for the bison herd that was moved to the reservation in 1999 using genetically pure bison from the Yellowstone National Park herd. The Tribes’ herd is now maintained through a managed hunting program at approximately 700 animals, which is the carrying capacity on the 30,000 acres of the reservation that provides quality habitat for bison. Each year the Fish & Game Department allows 40 management hunts and seven hunts for mature bulls, these tags are issued using a random draw system except for one bull permit that is auctioned off to benefit wildlife on the reservation. In addition to the wild, free-ranging herd of bison, the Tribes also manage a quarantine enclosure that houses bison captured through Yellowstone National Park’s population management program. This program houses animals entirely separate from the hunting program and serves to move bison to other tribes and entities looking to build a herd of genetically pure bison. Fort Peck has successfully transplanted animals through this program to areas like Oklahoma and Kodiak Island, Alaska.

“I am very pleased to hear that the Boone and Crockett Club recognizes bison from the Fort Peck Indian Reservation as a truly wild and free-ranging herd,” said Robbie Magnan, Director of Fish & Game for the Fort Peck Tribes. “We have worked hard to maintain this management program to meet the level of Fair Chase for those fortunate enough to draw a permit.”

“We look forward to accepting bison from Fort Peck into our records program and are excited to see bison restoration continue in North America, where appropriate,” concluded Lehr. “It is always exciting to see when big game animals are doing well across their ranges and being managed for success.”

Reynolds Announces Miles City Store Location Will Close Its Door

Posted (Thursday, January 30th 2025)

Miles City, MT — The F.T. Reynolds Co. has announced that Reynolds Market, located at 2106 Valley Drive East in Miles City, will permanently close its doors on February 28, 2025.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision, made only after long and exhaustive consideration,” said Chris Schell, vice president at F.T. Reynolds Co. “We explored every viable option, including a brand-new site in town and extensive remodeling at our current location. Unfortunately, due to restrictions and significant cost burdens tied to the site’s position within a federally designated floodplain, we could not achieve a solution that was financially sustainable.”

Schell continued, “We are deeply grateful to our loyal customers who have supported us throughout the years. We take great pride in the positive impact we've made in this wonderful community.”
Customers are encouraged to visit the store during its final weeks to take advantage of special closing discounts on merchandise throughout the store and to say farewell.

Reynolds Market has been a pillar of the Miles City and Custer County community for over 60 years, serving as one of the largest employers, taxpayers, and community supporters. Team members—past and present—have passionately dedicated themselves to providing not only quality products but also steadfast support to the local community.

“We've been more than just a grocery store,” Schell noted. “We’ve been champions for the community, and we’ll always cherish the relationships we've built here.”

As the store prepares for closure, Reynolds Market remains committed to supporting its employees during the transition and team members will have opportunities to apply for positions at other Reynolds Market locations. The F.T. Reynolds Co. will continue to evaluate the market in Miles City for future opportunities at a different site.

Donations Made To Glasgow School District And Lustre Elementary School District Under Innovative Educational Program

Posted (Thursday, January 30th 2025)

On Jan. 15, up to $6,000,000 in tax credits were available statewide for just over an hour through the Innovative Educational Program. Within the parameters of the program, for every $1 donation to a school of a donor’s choice, donors received a $1 credit on their 2025 state tax bill.

As schools entered donations into the program that morning, the statewide funding disappeared quickly. Thanks to two generous donors, Glasgow Schools received $3,000 while Lustre Elementary received $7,000 from two donors.

The use of these funds are limited to five areas including transformational and advanced learning opportunities; programs, services, and equipment for students with disabilities; work-based learning partnerships and pre-apprenticeship programs; career and college-ready programs benefiting students; and technology that improves student experiences, access, learning, and opportunities.

According to Glasgow School superintendent Brenner Flaten, Glasgow Schools will focus the funds on technology or career and college-ready programs at Glasgow High School.

Anyone interested in the local program next year should contact their school’s district clerk and/or superintendent for further information on how the program works and they will assist potential donors as they are key in making the program a success.

Bill Sparks Debate About Clergy as Mandatory Reporters of Child Abuse and Neglect

Posted (Wednesday, January 29th 2025)

Supporters of a bill that would require clergy members to report suspected child abuse or neglect say it would help protect children from abuse, while opponents say it asks the church to assume a disciplinary role when it is meant to be a support system.

Sen. Mary Ann Dunwell, D-East Helena, introduced the bill to the Senate Judiciary Committee Tuesday. She referenced a 2020 Montana Supreme Court ruling that reversed a $35 million verdict against the Thompson Falls Jehovah’s Witness congregation following allegations that church elders covered up the abuse of a young girl.

Dunwell’s bill would remove the part of Montana law that the Supreme Court used in that case, which exempts clergy members from mandatory reporting. But the bill also comes with an amendment that would maintain the exemption for formal confessions.

Matt Brower, the executive director of the Montana Catholic Conference, thanked the sponsor for the amendment and spoke in support of the amended bill.

“As a result of her openness to engage in dialogue and conversation with our Catholic leaders, we were able to arrive in an amended bill that seeks to advance public policies to keep our kids safe, while at the same time respecting deeply held Catholic beliefs regarding sacramental confession,” Brower said.

Derek Oestreicher, representing the Montana Family Foundation, spoke in opposition to the bill, especially the unamended version, on the grounds that it would create a chilling effect and cause people to hesitate to reach out to their clergy.

“This fundamentally undermines the church’s sacred role in providing spiritual counsel and guidance. The church should not be forced to become the enforcement mechanism of government,” Oestreicher said.

There were four opponents and nine proponents in the hearing Tuesday morning.

Emma White is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. White can be reached at emma.white@umconnect.umt.edu.

Montana Department Of Transportation Planning Reconstruction Of Highway Near James Kipp Recreation Area

Posted (Wednesday, January 29th 2025)

The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is partnering with M.A. Deatley Construction, Inc. to reconstruct sections of US Highway 191 (US 191) near the James Kipp Recreation Area and the Missouri River bridge. The US 191 – Mobridge Slide Repairs project will help stabilize a section of roadway that was damaged from landslides in the area.

The project area includes three different locations along US 191 which will be completed in two phases. The first phase will include work at Site A (see map below), which is the largest area and impacts the section of road between mile markers 84 and 85. This slide has been an issue since the late 1950s but has worsened over the last decade.

Phase 1 improvements (site A) will include:

Reconstructing embankments to mitigate landslide movements.
Improving the grading of the roadway.
Constructing a new roadway surface.
Improving drainage.
Upgrading safety features such as new guardrail, signage, and pavement markings.
Construction is anticipated to begin in 2025.

Phase 2 of construction will involve work on additional landslide locations between mile markers 85 and 86 (Site B), north of the Mobridge Slide and near mile marker 89 (Site C), just north of the Missouri River.

Phase 2 improvements (Site A and Site B) will include:

Final construction at Site A (jack-and-bore culvert and final pavement installation).
Reconstructing the soil structures supporting the roadway to prevent further deterioration of the roadway.
Improving drainage features to reduce infiltration of surface water on the roadway.

Phase 2 improvements (Site C) will include:

Widening the roadway.
Repairing the roadway to address bumps and settlements caused by landslide (heaving).
Phase 2 construction is anticipated to begin in 2027, depending on completion of design and availability of funding.

Traffic control will be in place when construction begins. Motorists can expect reduced speeds, single-lane closures, alternating traffic and possible delays when travelling through the project area.

Roy Strope Sentenced In State District Court

Posted (Wednesday, January 29th 2025)

Roy Strope was sentenced in State District Court last week on 2 felony charges of sexual abuse of a child.

The felony charges stem from an investigation that was conducted in October of 2022.

Strop reached a plea agreement in May of 2024 and was sentenced this month by Judge Yvonne Laird.

While sentencing Strope, Judge Laird noted that Strope had a criminal history including several misdemeanor offensives involving violence, aggravated DUI and conspiracy to distribute dangerous drugs.

Strope was sentenced to 15 years with the Montana State Prison with 10 years suspended on both charges. The sentences will run concurrently.

Judge Laird Rules That Jacob Renner Violated Conditions Of Suspended Sentence

Posted (Tuesday, January 28th 2025)

Jacob Renner appeared before District Judge Yvonne Laird last week for an adjudication hearing. Judge Laird ruled that Renner violated conditions of his suspended sentence and revoked his suspended sentence.
 
According to court documents, Jacob Renner of Glasgow was arrested in November after the State of Montana alleged that Renner violated conditions of a sentence handed down to him in April of 2024.

In October of 2022, Renner had originally been charged with 2 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Minor in State District Court in Glasgow. In October of 2023, Renner entered into a plea agreement with the Valley County Attorney.

District Court Judge Yvonne Laird sentenced Renner to the Montana State Prison for a term of 20-years with all the time suspended. He was also credited with 60 days previously served in jail and ordered to pay $80 in mandatory surcharges.

Judge Laird did put forth conditions on Renner and stated if he were to violate any of the conditions of his sentence she would reconsider the suspended sentence.

At the adjudication hearing, the Probation and Parole officer assigned to the case testified that Renner never enrolled in Sex Offender Treatment class as required by the court. The officer also informed the court that sexually explicit content was found on his phone, and he had access to the internet when he did not have permission to.

Judge Laird ruled that although there were some efforts to register for the Sex Offender Treatment class the defendant showed little effort in actually completing it and had his mother do it instead. The court found there is a disconnect between defendant and the court's order and that defendant does not seem to think he needs to comply. Judge Laird ruled that Renner violated conditions of his suspended sentence and revoked his suspended sentence.

A dispositional hearing will be held March 17th and Judge Laird will rule on the sentence to imposed on Jacob Renner. The judge also ruled that Renner continue to be held in the Valley County Detention Center until his next hearing.


Valley County Unemployment Rate 2.6% For December

Posted (Tuesday, January 28th 2025)

Governor Greg Gianforte Tuesday announced the unemployment rate in December marked a year of historically low unemployment, with a record 42 consecutive months of unemployment at or below 3.4 percent.

“In Montana, our economy is strong, resilient, and full of good-paying jobs,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With our historic stretch of unemployment and with wage growth outpacing inflation in Montana over the past four years, our state continues to be a model for the nation.”

Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.1 percent in December, down from 3.2 percent in the previous month, and a full point lower than the national unemployment rate.

Total employment (which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers) was mostly unchanged in December and the number of unemployed workers decreased by 715. Payroll jobs increased by 100 in December, with gains in the accommodations and food service industry offset by declines in transportation, warehousing, and utilities.

The unemployment rate in Valley County for December was 2.6% with 3841 total employed which is an increase of 63 from December of 2024.

8 Scotties Will Advance To State Speech And Drama

Posted (Monday, January 27th 2025)

Here are the final placings from Divisional Speech and Drama:

Places 1st to 6th will advance onto state next weekend at Huntley Project!

In DOI-Kai Combs in 5th place.
In SPOI- Connor Whitmer in 1st place, Henry Holte in 7th place.
In Impromptu-James Pearson in 2nd place.
In HOI-Gabe Proctor in 4th place, Sebastian Gregg in 9th place and Ash James in 12th place.
In Humorous Solo-Mirax Lipscomb in 7th place and Averylynn Terrel in 9th place.
In Humorous Theater- Cody Lacock and Emmy Gutow in 8th place.
In Lincoln Douglas Debate- Gabe Allen in 6th place.
In Class B Speech Sweeps-3rd

All over the state of Montana, B/C was having their Divisional competitions this last weekend. Glasgow competes in the East Division. The North Division did not have enough competitors to send to state in Humorous Solo and Humorous Theater.

This means that Mirax Lipscomb will compete at state in Humorous Solo and Emmy Gutow and Cody Lacock will compete at state in Humorous Theater! We have some very excited girls!

8 Scotties will compete at state this year!

Valley County Commissioner Meeting

Posted (Monday, January 27th 2025)

The Valley County Commissioners will meet Wednesday for their regular meeting.

'People are scared': Fort Peck Tribal chair urges members to carry IDs to avoid deportation

Posted (Saturday, January 25th 2025)

Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribal Chairman Justin Gray Hawk on Friday issued a statement urging tribal members to carry their tribal IDs amid growing concern over President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.

Gray Hawk wrote that community members feared the possibility of “(deporting) Native Americans along with Mexicans in the hope that nobody can tell the difference.”

When asked if the tribal enrollment office had received an uptick in calls after Trump’s inauguration, Enrollment Officer Twyla Red Eagle said, “Yes. Yes. Yes.”

“Just this afternoon, we had 15 people in here,” she said. “And people are calling from out-of-state where they had deportations already. … People are scared.”

Fort Belknap Indian Community Vice President Judy King on Friday issued a similar statement, advising members to "keep a copy of your tribal identification card on you at all times."

This weekend the Fort Belknap Indian Community has issued a public service announcement to address misinformation circulating about deportation plans targeting tribes in Montana.

Jeffrey Stiffarm, President of the Fort Belknap Indian Community, shared a statement to social media saying:

In light of current events it seems that there are reports being circulated that the Trump Administration is targeting tribes located in Montana for deportation.
I have been advised directly by Senator Daines that there is NO such plan in place; the rumors are unfounded and there is no need to panic. Please advise others that this is not the case.
Thank you for your understanding.

On his first day in office, Trump issued a slew of executive orders related to immigration. He declared a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border and said he plans to send U.S. troops to support agents, according to The Associated Press.

Trump issued an executive order denying U.S. citizenship to the children born in the states of parents living in the U.S. illegally. A U.S. District Judge temporarily blocked the order and as of Jan. 21, 22 states had sued to block the move, according to The Associated Press.

To request a tribal ID, visit the Fort Peck Tribes’ enrollment department or call 406-768-2311. The Fort Belknap Indian Community enrollment office can be reached at 406-353-8531 or 406-353-8532.

Gas Prices Increase According To AAA

Posted (Friday, January 24th 2025)

Despite easing oil costs and lackluster domestic gasoline demand, pump prices eked out a three-cent gain since last week to $3.13. Meanwhile, today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remained at 34 cents.

“The culprit for the pop in prices is likely old man Winter,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “It’s a little harder to distribute gasoline in bad weather, and refineries don’t operate well in freezing temperatures either.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand fell from 8.32 million b/d last week to an anemic 8.08. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 243.6 million barrels to 245.9, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.2 million barrels per day.

Gasoline prices in Montana are $2.94 per gallon and in Valley County $2.96 according to AAA.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.13, nine cents more than a month ago and five cents more than a year ago.

Medicaid Expansion Focus Of Hearings At Montana Legislature

Posted (Thursday, January 23rd 2025)

Two Montana lawmakers, one Republican and one Democratic, advocated Wednesday for their strategies to continue Medicaid expansion, while another Republican pitched his plan to end the state’s program. The bill hearings triggered hours of testimony from supporters of the low-income health coverage plan, scheduled to sunset this year unless extended by legislators.

People who wanted to speak before lawmakers about the three bills packed committee rooms, spurring nearly five hours of hearings that stretched until 7:30 p.m. The fate of Medicaid expansion is anticipated to be one of the most hotly debated policies in the 90-day legislative session.

“Medicaid expansion has been transformative,” said Gene Small, president of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, one of dozens of proponents who appealed to lawmakers to continue the program. “Moving forward with this legislation is the moral choice for the most vulnerable among us.”

Medicaid, a decades-old public health program created by Congress, was expanded to adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level under the Affordable Care Act, an option that 41 states decided to adopt. A bipartisan group of Montana lawmakers voted to extend coverage to that population in 2015 under the Health and Economic Livelihood Partnership (HELP) Act. State legislators agreed to renew the law in 2019.

The cost of the expanded program, used by more than 76,000 Montana adults as of October, is almost entirely covered by the federal government. The upfront cost to the state’s coffers was roughly $100 million in the last fiscal year.

As the program has grown in size and expense, so too has opposition among a coalition of Republican lawmakers, driving a wedge in the GOP caucus. Original estimates forecasted that roughly 45,000 people would be enrolled by 2019.

Two Republican-sponsored bills heard Wednesday would create dramatically different paths for the future of the program. The GOP holds wide majorities in both the House and Senate, but it’s unclear how party members will respond to Medicaid expansion proposals that reach the floor. Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte has indicated support for the program continuing in some form.

House Bill 245, sponsored by Rep. Ed Buttrey, R-Great Falls, would strike the termination date from the HELP Act and adjust the work requirements that lawmakers passed in 2019. Those requirements were later blocked by the Biden administration and never took effect.

Buttrey, who successfully sponsored Medicaid expansion in prior sessions by building a coalition of Democrats and moderate Republicans, told lawmakers on the House Human Services Committee Wednesday that continuing the program was essential for uplifting people struggling to make ends meet and for Montana’s broader business landscape.

“If as legislators we choose to bury our heads in the sand and ignore the physical and mental needs of our low-income population in Montana, to ignore the addiction issues that we have and ignore the value of a healthy and unaddicted workforce, we will pay for it down the road,” Buttrey said. “And we’ll pay a heck of a lot more than we’re paying now.”

Buttrey, who appeared on the verge of tears while reflecting on the policy’s history, also stressed the overall impact Medicaid expansion has had on Montana’s economic landscape and state budget.

“We’ve created a system that, unlike in other states, actually moves people out of poverty and onto their own success. Our system puts health care back in the doctor’s offices and out of the emergency rooms. Our system has enhanced the pool of workers available to our businesses,” Buttrey said. “All of this while providing positive savings to our General Fund and to the taxpayers of Montana.”

Buttrey’s bill received support from more than 60 people, testifying in person and online. Many drove across the state to speak in favor of Buttrey’s proposal, stressing its importance to rural and tribal communities. None spoke in opposition.

A very different Republican proposal, introduced by Sen. Carl Glimm, R-Kila, was heard at the same time in a committee room down the hallway of the state Capitol.

Glimm’s bill, Senate Bill 62, would phase out the Medicaid expansion program beginning later this year. The measure directs the state health department to stop accepting new enrollees beginning Sept. 1.

“People that don’t qualify anymore will start to work themselves off and eventually we would not have anybody on Medicaid expansion,” Glimm told the Senate Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee.


Glimm, in arguing to end expansion, cited concerns that the federal government could change its contributions to Medicaid, leaving Montana on the hook for more than the 10% of the program it currently pays for. Glimm also argued that Medicaid expansion unjustly subsidizes health coverage for unemployed people who don’t have disabilities.

“This is a financial choice that the state of Montana needs to make,” Glimm said in his prepared remarks. “We need to look at the risks and the benefits and we need to say that able-bodied working adults should be working.”

No proponents spoke in favor of the legislation. Fourteen opponents spoke against the bill, most of whom were representatives of health care coalitions, nonprofit organizations and tribal health groups.

“Medicaid expansion has strengthened the foundation of our health care system, invested in a healthier and more productive workforce and created stronger, more vibrant communities,” said Tylyn Newcomb, community engagement director at the Montana Nonprofit Association.

The governor’s budget office issued a fiscal note for Glimm’s proposal projecting a loss of more than $1.5 billion in federal funds and a cost of more than $800 million to the state General Fund over the next two years if officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services declined to continue the current match rate. Glimm told lawmakers he was contesting that calculation, arguing the federal government would continue shouldering 90% of coverage costs for the remaining beneficiaries until the program ends.

The third bill heard Wednesday, House Bill 230, sponsored by Rep. Mary Caferro, D-Helena, would also strike the HELP Act’s termination date and aim to eliminate access hurdles for enrollees. The bill would provide 12 months of continuous eligibility for beneficiaries. It would also strike the HELP Act’s work requirement provision, which Caferro argued are unnecessary.

Caferro’s legislation also proposes reopening 10 Offices of Public Assistance in rural parts of the state, many of which closed after state budget cuts in 2017. Her bill would also seek to improve communication between enrollees and the state health department by allowing text messages and email communication and creating an advisory board for beneficiaries.

Caferro described the bill to members of the House Human Services Committee as a measure to make the existing program more efficient, particularly after tens of thousands of people lost Medicaid coverage during the state’s mass eligibility review in 2023 and 2024.

“It takes opportunities to solve problems, creates efficiencies in government … creates accountability in government through public reporting requirements, and transparency in government through a public advisory committee,” Caferro said. “It makes government work for the people.”

About 30 proponents of the bill, many of whom also spoke in favor of Buttrey’s legislation, said it would shore up services for rural residents struggling to navigate a dense web of state bureaucracy, sometimes facing paperwork delays that push back health care services for months.

All three bills must be supported by a majority of lawmakers on each committee in order to advance to the House and Senate floors. Lawmakers did not vote on the legislation Wednesday night.

Valley County Commissioner Meeting Action Items

Posted (Thursday, January 23rd 2025)

The Valley County Commissioners met for their weekly discussion and decision meeting on Wednesday. Two action items were discussed and approved by the commissioners.

The commissioners approved the purchase of a Unimacs industrial washer for the Long Run Fire Department at a cost of $17,890. Valley County Fire Warden explained the washer is a specialty washer used for cleaning gear used by Long Run Firefighters.

The commissioners also accepted two bids from Arneson Contracting and Construction to replace the roof on the Beer Gardens at the Fairgrounds at a cost of $6720 and to replace the roof on the Paramutual Building at the Fairgrounds at a cost of $6380.

Dodson Woman Appointed To Board Of Regents By Governor Gianforte

Posted (Wednesday, January 22nd 2025)

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced the following appointments:

Board of Regents of Higher Education

Raina Mortenson, Malta: As a student at the University of Montana Western, Mortenson is enrolled in the Kinesiology program and grew up on her family's farm north of Dodson. Her term will run through July 1, 2025.

Heather Hoyer, Belt: Serving as District Superintendent for Great Falls Public Schools, Hoyer brings decades of leadership in teaching and administration through her work in Great Falls. Hoyer has a bachelor of science in secondary science education from UM Western Montana College and a master of education in educational leadership from the University of Montana. Her term will run through February 1, 2032.

Board of Public Education

Julia Maxwell, Marion: As Superintendent for the Marion K-8 School District, Maxwell previously served as a school administrator and elementary school teacher. Maxwell obtained a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from MSU-Northern and master’s in educational leadership from Western Governor’s University. Her term will run through February 1, 2028.

Hannah Nieskens, Cardwell: As Superintendent for Whitehall Public Schools, Nieskens previously served as a teacher and administrator in Whitehall for nearly a decade. Nieskens has a bachelor of science in elementary education from Montana State University, a master’s degree in education technology, and a juris doctor from Concord Law School. Her term will run through February 1, 2032.

Glasgow School District Bond Election Ballots Will Go Out February 13th

Posted (Wednesday, January 22nd 2025)

The Glasgow School Board passed a resolution which would provide for a bond election to pay for infrastructure improvements in school district.

The resolution will provide voters an opportunity to pass a bond in the amount of $2.9 million to pay for improvements in the school district. The election will be held March 4th.

Glasgow Superintendent Brenner Flaten was a guest on Live Under the Big Sky Wednesday.

https://soundcloud.com/kltz-glasgow

The improvements include replacing or repairing portions of the Glasgow Middle School roof and the Glasgow High School roof and related improvements. Also, replacing the boiler plant at Glasgow Middle School, refinancing a loan that paid costs of a new boiler at Glasgow High School, upgrading and or retrofitting HVAC controls at Glasgow Middle School and Glasgow High School, decommissioning obsolete boilers at Glasgow Middle School and Glasgow High School and repairing a boiler at Irle Elementary School.

The total cost of the bond would be $2.9 million and if passed by school district voters, the work on the infrastructure projects could begin in 2025.

The election would be a mail ballot election, and the Valley County Election Administrator will conduct the election. Ballots will be mailed to school district voters on February 13th.

Valley County Commissioner Meeting Today

Posted (Wednesday, January 22nd 2025)

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

Kulczyk Sentenced In District Court

Posted (Wednesday, January 22nd 2025)

Ronald "Ronnie" William Kulczyk was sentenced in State District Court on Tuesday. Judge Yvonne Laird sentenced Kulczyk to 25 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with 20 years suspended. Kulczyk was sentenced the same on 2 counts of sexual abuse of a child, but the sentences will run concurrently.

A 2-day jury trial ended in November of 2024 with a jury finding Kulczyk, 54, guilty of the 2 counts of Sexual Abuse of a Child.

Kulczyk's attorney, Jeremy Yellin, informed Judge Laird that Kulczyk will be appealing the conviction and requested that his client remain free on conditions until the appeal is resolved. Judge Laird agreed to Kulczyk remaining out of jail until the appeal is heard and judgement is rendered by the Montana Supreme Court.

The two felonies are the result of an investigation by the Glasgow Police Department that started in September of 2022

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.


Legislation Would Allow Beer And Wine Delivered To Doors Of Montana Residents

Posted (Tuesday, January 21st 2025)

By Clayton Murphy
UM Legislative News Service

HELENA - Montanans could have beer and wine delivered to their doors by services like DoorDash if a bill in front of the House of Representatives passes.

House Bill 211, sponsored by Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, would require delivery drivers to be 21 years old, get a license to deliver alcohol and not have been convicted of driving under the influence in the past seven years.

Tom Kerr is the general counsel for the Adult Beverage Alliance, ?a trade association that includes Amazon, DoorDash, Grubhub, Shift, and Uber. He supported the bill at a committee hearing Monday.

?”Alcohol delivery is currently allowed in 40 states. Delivery by third parties, like the Adult Beverage Alliance members, is allowed in 30 states, and third parties are required to obtain a permit in 18 of those states,” Kerr told the House Taxation Committee.

Anna Powell, senior manager of government relations in the northwest for DoorDash, also supported the bill.

“?When it comes to delivering alcohol, nothing is more important to DoorDash than safety. It's why we've led the industry with a four-step compliance check at the door before delivery may be completed,” Powell said.

Powell said DoorDash uses ID verification, refuses delivery to customers showing visible signs of intoxication, blocks deliveries in high-risk areas and gives penalty-free returns for both drivers and customers.

HB 211 would only allow delivery from businesses with off-premise alcohol sale licenses. There were no opponents to the bill.

Clayton Murphy is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Murphy can be reached at clayton.murphy@umconnect.umt.edu.

Supreme Court orders Montana DPHHS to turn over Valley County case files to state Representative

Posted (Tuesday, January 21st 2025)

The Montana Supreme Court has upheld a Billings lawmaker’s right to review a child-neglect-and-abuse case that the Gianforte administration had denied, citing attorney-client privilege.

On Friday, the Montana Supreme Court unanimously sided with Rep. Bill Mercer, R-Billings, and aligned with the Lewis and Clark District Court Judge Michael McMahon’s order to turn over the documents related to the case.

The case focuses on a provision in Montana that allows lawmakers to review otherwise confidential cases of child abuse or neglect handled by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The privilege is narrow and only pertains to members of the Montana Legislature or Congress, and only applies when a family member asks in writing for the lawmaker to review the case. The purpose is part of the checks and balances in Montana, allowing the legislative branch to check the executive, but also serves the function of helping lawmakers craft better guidelines and law during the legislative session, which the justices on the Montana Supreme Court affirmed.

Lawmakers who review the documents and cases pertaining to the otherwise confidential information that the DPHHS has must keep it confidential, and, according to the case, Mercer signed an agreement to keep any information private.

Because all other information pertaining to the case is confidential, it’s not known specifically what case Mercer was seeking, but it is identified as a case that came from Valley County, and believed to be a high-profile case where a transgender teenager was sent out of state to a Wyoming facility and was later transferred to the care of a biological parent in Canada. The case drew outrage from some members of the Republican legislature and was even reviewed by Lt. Gov. Kristen Juras because of allegations by the family that state officials from DPHHS were interfering with their religious rights, which included not recognizing transgender therapy or medicine.

Juras concluded DPHHS followed state policy in the matter.

However, the Montana Supreme Court case focused on the file that was turned over, in part, to Mercer. However, Mercer contends in court filings that documents, text messages and other communications that the department had were not included in the case file.

“Upon review of the documents provided, Rep. Mercer requested additional records that he believed were required to be produced including emails, text messages, case notes, memorandums, and all other communications,” the opinion said. “The department denied the request, maintaining the statute required production only of the more formal ‘case record,’ which it had additionally provided to Rep. Mercer.”

The open-record privilege that Mercer and other lawmakers can use is only valid for six months, so Mercer was forced to ask to the courts for additional help because the window of time was narrowing. In August, McMahon granted Mercer’s mandatory injunction, which the state then appealed to the Supreme Court.

The DPHHS didn’t dispute that it had withheld other documents from Mercer, but argued it did so because of an attorney-client privilege.

The court sided with Mercer, saying that as a lawmaker, he was already bound to confidentiality for anything that was in the file, and furthermore, McMahon had ordered at least three documents in the case off-limits due to the attorney-client exception.

The justices went one step further saying that he had already suffered possibly irreparable damage because the Gianforte administration had not turned over the documents, and the Legislature has already begun its biennial session, with a transmittal deadline looming. Transmittal is roughly the half-way point of the Legislature, and all bills that do not involve major budget implications must make it through one chamber of the lawmaking body to survive.

“Thus, irreparable injury without the issue of the mandatory injunction is clear — the legislative session is now underway, and the review must occur,” the opinion said. “Even with this court’s imposition of the stay of time limit, the same harm Rep. Mercer alleged in his briefing remains — and ‘legislation that is not drafted in January or February of 2025 will not survive the transmittal deadline for general bills.”

A five-member panel unanimously upheld the decision, including Rice, the opinion’s author. The other justices who signed the opinion are Laurie McKinnon, Beth Baker, Ingrid Gustafson and James Jeremiah Shea.

Montana PSC Approves Interim MDU Natural Gas Price Increase In The Amount Of 10%

Posted (Monday, January 20th 2025)

The Montana Public Service Commission switched its stance on a requested interim natural gas rate increase from Montana-Dakota Utilities last week, voting to grant the interim increase while a final decision on the overall proposed increase is still being considered.

The vote came in at 4-1 in favor of granting the interim increase, with Commissioner Randy Pinocci, representative of PSC District 1, being the lone vote against. This is the second time the commission has voted on the requested interim rate of approximately 10%, having sided with ratepayers and originally voting the request down 4-1 in October last year, with Commissioner Annie Bukacek being the only vote in support at that time.


The interim increase request follows a proposed natural gas rate increase for MDU residential customers of 16.4% made in July of 2024. In the proposal, MDU cites increased operational costs and the costs of repairing and upgrading its utilities infrastructure as the primary reasons behind the request.

If approved, the increase would add a total of about $104 per year – or $8.68 per month – to the average residential customers' natural gas bill, resulting in a total annual bill of about $739.

This follows a previous natural gas rate increase requested by MDU in 2020 and granted in 2021, as well as an electrical rate increase of 9.1% granted in 2023.

However, the request has drawn the ire of many of MDU's customers, especially those living on fixed incomes. Prior to voting on the request at Tuesday's meeting, the PSC received public comment from five individuals — one from Glendive, two from Miles City, one from Hinsdale and one from Billings — all speaking against the interim rate increase.

The commenters generally shared the same concerns, pointing to the impacts this increase will have on those living on fixed incomes and to rural communities, as well as the apparent inconsistency of the company needing the additional money to perform maintenance while also posting record profits and increasing share prices in recent years.

Glendive resident Bruce Peterson was among those commenting on MDU's interim rate increase request, disclosing he and his wife live on fixed incomes as retirees and that another bump in the rate will only negatively impact ratepayers.


"This rate hike is going to impact us as well as a lot of businesses in town here," Peterson said before presenting a series of four questions to the PSC for consideration of MDU's full rate case.

"According to the Consumer Counsel, in their rate increase request, MDU has included short-term incentive compensation, executive incentive compensation, board of director related expenses and investor relation expenses all in their requirements. So this is not about doing badly needed maintenance, they have access to the capitol. This is big executive compensations," Mary Catherine Dunphy, a Miles City resident, noted.

Meanwhile, other commenters called into question the practice of asking for a rate increase due to needed maintenance, noting it's an action that not many other businesses can take.

"As a small business owner, if I increase my rates by 16.4%, my customers would turn to other businesses for similar services. As an MDU customer, I do not have that option, I'm stuck with the rates they choose to charge me," said Matthew Clausen, a Billings resident.

Those who commented also all pointed to the commission's previous decision on the interim increase, pointing out that nothing in regards to the request since then has changed and they encouraged the commission to stand behind its previous decision.

However, three commissioners commented that since taking the previous vote, their views on the matter have changed, noting they had been doing further research into the matter themselves. Most of the comments from these commissioners focused on concern for customers, noting that MDU's intended infrastructure upgrades are aimed primarily at natural gas lines. Commissioner Bukacek, being the only member of the commission to support the request on both votes, also cited customer safety as her primary concern.


Some comments from the commissioners also pushed directly back at some of the comments from the public, primarily the comments regarding MDU's profits. As noted by the commission, MDU is just one company under the conglomerate Montana-Dakota Utilities Resources Group. While MDU Resources may be posting positive financials, that does not necessarily mean MDU as a subsidiary is seeing the same and the commission cannot force the company to redirect funds.

Commissioner Brad Molnar was among the commissioners making such argument, saying the PSC cannot make MDU Resources subsidize one of its companies with the profits of another. He even seemed to address Clausen's comments, saying that passing on operating costs just needs to be considered as part of doing business.

"It's not a matter of how is MDU doing, it's Montana-Dakota Utility Resources is where these quotes are coming from," Molnar said. "Utilities, labor and all of that have all increased over time, and no business can survive by not passing some of that onto the customer. If the market pushes back to you too much when you try to pass those on, you either go out of business or you adjust accordingly."

The motion to grant the interim rate increase was made by Bukacek and seconded by Commissioner Jennifer Fielder. Commissioner Jeff Welborn, who was just elected to the commission in November, joined Bukacek, Fielder and Molnar in voting in favor of the interim increase while Pinocci remained opposed.

Gas Prices Moving Higher According To AAA

Posted (Friday, January 17th 2025)

Oil costs hovering around $80 a barrel have helped push the national average for a gallon of gas four cents higher since last week to $3.10. Meanwhile, today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remained at 34 cents.

“Domestic gasoline demand is low, so why are pump prices creeping higher? Look at the cost of oil,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Global oil prices have surged due to strong winter heating fuel demand and new U.S. sanctions against Russia’s energy sector. Oil costs account for 56% of what you pay at the pump. So, more expensive oil leads to more expensive gas. But that said, there are still 26 states with averages below $3 a gallon for now.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand fell from 8.48 million b/d last week to 8.32. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose from 237.7 million barrels to 243.6, while gasoline production popped last week, averaging 9.3 million barrels daily.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.11, eight cents more than a month ago and three cents more than a year ago.

In Montana, the average price of a gallon regular unleaded gasoline is $2.87 per gallon. In Valley County, the average price is $2.88 per gallon.

For the complete report https://gasprices.aaa.com/

Wages for Montana educators have not kept up with inflation, report says

Posted (Friday, January 17th 2025)

A first-of-its-kind state report on teacher pay in Montana shows the average educator can’t afford housing and receives wages that haven’t kept pace with inflation.

Montana is one of just two states nationwide in which wage growth has outpaced rising prices on average since 2020. Public school teachers, however, haven’t reaped that reward.

That’s a key takeaway from the state labor department’s investigation into teacher salaries. The department found educator wages have fallen nearly 3% behind the cost of living, despite efforts from many districts to improve pay for new teachers in particular.

Amanda Curtis leads the state teacher’s union, the Montana Federation of Public Employees. She says she’s optimistic that state lawmakers this year recognize the work that needs to be done to boost teacher salaries.

“I don't feel like it’s a fight,” Curtis told MTPR in a phone interview. “I feel like we are all committed to increasing teacher pay.”

The data is coloring ongoing efforts in the state Legislature to improve teacher salaries, particularly for workers new to the field. The proposed STARS Act aims to tackle several pay issues raised in the report. According to legislative analysts, the policy could double state payments to schools for each licensed teacher they employ — so long as their teachers make no less than $41,000 annually.

The proposed bill may also allow districts in areas with high housing costs to ask their voters for more money through levies. The typical teacher purchasing an average home in Montana would spend more than half of their income on monthly payments, according to the labor department. Housing is least affordable for teachers in the western half of the state.

Republican Rep. Llew Jones, from Conrad, is shepherding the STARS Act. He says it will likely be ready to start the Legislative process this week.

Ozark And Tatafu File For Glasgow School Board Positions

Posted (Friday, January 17th 2025)

Two Glasgow School District trustee positions are open for the May 6th annual school election. Terms expiring include Stan Ozark’s and Ryan Fast’s. One position is a 3-year term and the other is a 1-year term. Stan Ozark has filed for the 3-year position and Whitney Tatafu has filed for the 1-year position.

Applications to run for the school board are available on the school website under the news section, or can be picked up at the School Administration Office located at 229 7th Street North. There are separate applications for the different terms. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 27th. For further information regarding the election, contact Kelly Doornek at 228-2406.

Glasgow City Council To Meet Tuesday

Posted (Friday, January 17th 2025)

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

Marijuana Sales Decrease In Valley County

Posted (Friday, January 17th 2025)

Sales of legal marijuana declined in December compared to November according to a report from the Montana Department of Revenue.

Total sales for Valley County amounted to $150,430 which is down from November's sales which were $152,986.

Statewide, sales totaled $26,693,032 in December and since sales of marijuana became legal in Montana the total amount of sales is over $947 million. This has brought in over $157 million in taxes to state and local governments.

Coldest Temperatures Of The Winter Are Expected This Weekend

Posted (Thursday, January 16th 2025)

The coldest temperatures of this winter are expected to arrive this weekend across Montana with overnight lows down to 25 below possible. Take extra precautions this weekend and limit time outdoors as frostbite can occur in as little as 15 minutes.

Glasgow Chamber Of Commerce Announces Winners Of Local Little Christmas Promotion

Posted (Thursday, January 16th 2025)

The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture had a very successful holiday season with its Chamber Big Bucks and Local Little Christmas Campaign, despite not having the Community Cash Program.

The Chamber of Commerce Big Bucks program was also very successful. From October 1st through December 31st, 2024, alone, $26,310 of Chamber Big Bucks was purchased from the Chamber Office. (The yearly total for the Big Bucks program was $42,656). With both programs $186,310 was spent LOCALLY during the 2024 Holiday season in Glasgow. The Local Little Christmas Campaign was also very successful this year with a total of $160,000 of receipts turned in from November 15-December 31, 2023. This year’s winners of $3200 included:

1st Place Judy Idler, $425 gift certificates & $350 Chamber Big Bucks
2nd Place Vanessa & Jason Eggebrecht, $400 gift certificates & $150 Chamber Big Bucks
3rd Place Liz Lawson, $350 gift certificates & $50 Chamber Big Bucks
4th Place Christine Gilchrist, $325 gift certificates
5th Place Diana Turner, $225 gift certificates
6th Place Sylvan Walden, $200 gift certificates
7th Place Erin Kuhlmann, $175 gift certificates
8th Place Laurie & Dan Enebo, $150 gift certificates
9th Place Janae Simpson, $150 gift certificates
10th Place Karen Bergtoll, $125 gift certificates
11th Place Shelly Riggin, $125 gift certificates
12th Place Christine Gilchrist, $100 gift certificates

The Chamber thanks everybody for participating in these programs and supporting our local merchants! “BUY LOCALLY AND THE BUCK STAYS HERE”

Juvenile arrested after car theft and burglary.

Posted (Wednesday, January 15th 2025)

A press release from the Phillips County Sheriffs Department says that a juvenile male from Phillips County was arrested on several charges after being reported missing from their home while on conditional release due to previous criminal activities.

A burglary of a local business was reported, and cameras showed a vehicle being driven by the juvenile, and shortly after Sheriff Jerry Lytle said he received a text from a motorist near Hinsdale reporting a potential sighting of the vehicle.

The juvenile is facing the following charges: Burglary, Criminal Mischief, Criminal Trespass to vehicles, Driving without a valid driver’s license, Possessing intoxicating substances (under the age of 2l),Resisting Arrest, Theft of a motor vehicle, Theft from a building, and Unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.

Lawmakers Hear Proposal Urging Federal Government to Fully Fund Law Enforcement in Indian Country

Posted (Tuesday, January 14th 2025)

HELENA – Tribal leaders and lawmakers are supporting legislation that would urge the federal government to fully fund law enforcement in Indian Country in Montana, where they say agencies are underfunded at a time when reservations are faced with epidemics of drugs and missing and murdered Indigenous people.

Rep. Tyson Running Wolf, D-Browning, is carrying House Joint Resolution 1, which would also ask Congress to develop agreements with each of the tribal nations to put programs in action. The resolution would also request Gov. Greg Gianforte send a letter to Congress asking for the same.

Patrick Yawakie, representing the Blackfeet tribe, supported the resolution at the proposal’s first hearing on Friday, noting that in the original treaties between the federal government and the tribes of Montana, the government promised to fund law enforcement on tribal land. Despite this, Yawakie said law enforcement in tribal nations has been consistently underfunded.

“This has led to increases of organized crime entering into our reservations, distributing drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine, leading to a growing number of overdoses and deaths,” Yawakie said.

Dan Stusek, representing the Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribes, spoke in support of the resolution and said a 2021 estimate from the Bureau of Indian Affairs showed federal funding for tribal law enforcement and public safety met less than 13% of the tribes’ total needs.

“Although CSKT does more than any other jurisdiction on our Flathead Indian Reservation to ensure the safety of all citizens, our tribal justice system is consistently underfunded, current federal funding for tribal justice systems does not come close to meeting the Indian Country’s enormous unmet needs.”

Running Wolf added that the resolution wouldn’t cost the state any money.

“There’s a zero funding appropriation, just ink and paper and a stamp to get it to Washington D.C. on behalf of both Senate and House and from the Executive Office.”

No one spoke in opposition at the resolution’s first hearing in the House Energy, Technology and Federal Relations committee last week.

Emma White is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association and the Greater Montana Foundation.

First deaths of 2024-2025 flu season reported in Montana, RSV season underway

Posted (Tuesday, January 14th 2025)

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services is reporting the first four influenza-related deaths of the 2024-2025 season.

Four flu deaths were reported the first week of 2025. Data released Friday indicates the total number of influenza cases and hospitalizations remain near flat, with a slight decline. In the last week of 2024 there were 576 flu cases confirmed. In the first week of 2025 there were 574 cases. Hospitalizations dropped from 41 cases to 40 in the same time frame.

RSV season is also underway in Montana, according to the state's respiratory illness dashboard. More than 3% of tests for RSV came back positive for two consecutive weeks, which is how the state defines the onset of RSV season. There were 18 positive RSV tests, accounting for 3.87% of all tests, in the final week of 2024. There were 20 positive tests, accounting for 3.85% of all tests, in the first week of 2025.

COVID-19 case numbers declined from 331 in the last week of 2024 to 288 the first week of 2025. COVID-19 hospitalizations increased from 21 cases to 32 cases in the same timeframe.

JMG Superhero Food Drive Night

Posted (Tuesday, January 14th 2025)

This Friday, January 17, is Superhero Night at GHS Gymnasium, and Jobs for Montana's
Graduates(JMG) is putting on a Food Drive. All food collected that night will be going to the Glasgow Food Bank. During this school week, GHS classes are having a competition to see what grade can collect the most food.

The theme is Marvel vs DC Heroes. JMG would really appreciate your support for this Food Drive. To help this cause, please bring canned/non-perishable food when you come to cheer on the Scotties this Friday, and put them in your favorite superhero cart.

Illegal border crossing investigation results in prohibited firearms seized, search warrant executed in Saskatoon

Posted (Tuesday, January 14th 2025)

Around 9:00 p.m. January 6, 2025, the RCMP's Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), part of RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, was notified by the United States Border Patrol (USBP) that a person illegally crossed into Saskatchewan from Montana, United States in a remote area south of Val Marie, Sask. The person then re-entered the United States illegally in the same location soon after and drove away in a truck. The vehicle was stopped by USBP officers and two adult male occupants were arrested.

While the arrests took place, RCMP IBET and Ponteix RCMP Detachment police officers conducted a search of the area in Saskatchewan where the crossing occurred. The officers located and seized a box containing a pistol that is prohibited in Canada.

Investigation determined the two adult males – Canadian citizens - entered the United States legally in early January at a designated port of entry. The males are not facing charges in the United States at this time. The males were returned to Canada and processed by Canadian Border Services Agency before being arrested by the RCMP on January 7.

Continued investigation included the execution of a search warrant at a residence on 9th Avenue North in Saskatoon on January 8. Upon entry to the residence, RCMP officers found quantities of chemicals/compounds in several different locations and required the assistance of the Saskatchewan RCMP's Explosives Disposal Unit and RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service's Clandestine Lab experts to dispose of them safely. Materials were seized and sent to Health Canada for further analysis. Also seized from the residence were four firearms, two of which are prohibited in Canada, and approximately 500 rounds of ammunition.

19-year-old Nathaniel Rose of Calgary, Alberta and 19-year-old Arya Payendefar of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan are both charged with:

1 count, possession of a firearm without a license, section 91(1) of the Criminal Code
1 count, possession of prohibited devices without a license, section 91(2) of the Criminal Code
1 count, unauthorized import a firearm into Canada, section 103(2) of the Criminal Code
1 count, smuggle into Canada, clandestinely, a firearm, the importation of which is prohibited, controlled or regulated under the Customs Act or any other Act of Parliament, section 159(1) of the Customs Act
Information #24524286

This investigation remains ongoing and additional charges may result. They will both appear in Swift Current Provincial Court next on February 12, 2025.

"This is an excellent example of how collaboration and pro-active action can quickly develop into a significant investigation involving many agencies and span across borders and communities. It highlights how vital policing relationships are in disrupting criminal activity and keeping the public safe on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border," shares Superintendent Andrew Farquhar with RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region in Saskatchewan.

Assisting the RCMP's Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), RCMP Federal Policing, Northwest Region, with this investigation is Ponteix RCMP Detachment, Saskatchewan RCMP Explosive Disposal Unit and Saskatchewan RCMP and Saskatoon Police Service's Clandestine Lab teams, Canadian Border Services Agency and United States Border Patrol. We thank our partners for their ongoing collaboration and assistance.

Poplar Man Sentenced In Federal Court After Carjacking And Stabbing

Posted (Monday, January 13th 2025)

A Poplar man who admitted to robbery after carjacking a truck and stabbing the driver on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was sentenced today to 57 months in prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said today.

The defendant, Brandon Lee Romero,30, pleaded guilty in August 2024 to robbery.

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

In court documents, the government alleged that on April 14, 2023, the victim, identified as John Doe, was contacted by his sister who asked him to pick up Romero and give him a ride because she didn’t want him at her residence. John Doe agreed and, using his father’s truck, picked up Romero and began driving him to Poplar, on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. When Romero got out of the truck, John Doe noticed that Romero had pulled out two knives. John Doe attempted to drive away, but Romero jumped into the truck bed, kicked out the back window, climbed into the truck and stabbed John Doe. The victim exited the truck, and Romero got into the driver’s seat. Romero drove the stolen truck into Williams County, near Williston, North Dakota, and was arrested later that day by law enforcement after he got into a high-speed chase. Romero drove the vehicle into a ditch to avoid spike strips set up by law enforcement, submerged the vehicle in a creek and fled on foot until ultimately surrendering.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case. Fort Peck Law Enforcement Services, the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office and the Williston (N.D.) Police Department conducted the investigation.

Conservation groups ready to defend marijuana tax revenue

Posted (Monday, January 13th 2025)

In the four years since the Montana Legislature created the framework to legalize recreational marijuana, tax revenue has funneled tens of millions of dollars into conservation programs across the state.

But a coalition of conservation-oriented organizations on Wednesday said they are concerned that the governor’s office and the state legislature might try to reduce or reallocate the “historic investment.”

“This was a really, truly, groundbreaking achievement we had never before in Montana, set aside a single funding source to address so many of these different priorities,” said Noah Marion, state policy director for Montana Wild. “We’ve come to rely on this investment as Montanans, and it’s critical that we continue to build on this foundation that was set up in 2021 and defended in 2023. And here we are again in 2025 looking to defend it once more.”

When the state Legislature passed laws around legal marijuana use during the 2021 session, the tax revenue framework funneled 20% to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, to be used by Habitat Montana, a program that pays for permanent easements and maintenance. Additionally, 4% is allocated each to state parks, trails and recreational facilities and nongame wildlife.

Fiscal projections from the last biennium showed that funding would reach $9.3 million for Habitat Montana, and $1.86 million for the three other conservation funds by fiscal year 2027.

Among the more than 4,000 bill requests currently before the 69th Legislature are four related to revising the distribution of marijuana tax revenue, though none of the bills have been drafted yet.

However, Gov. Greg Gianforte’s budget contained a new proposal to provide $1 million over two years to the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation to fund water storage projects around the state. The proposal is contingent on legislation “that redistributes certain marijuana tax revenue.”

At a December meeting, a budget analyst from the governor’s office indicated that while the details of legislation were still in flux, there will be a proposal to bring two of the smaller 4% conservation funds down to 3%, but it was not clear which accounts would be reduced.

“There’s just no need to reduce or eliminate these funds to these essential programs,” Marion said. “Montana is once again in a very strong fiscal position, with historic surpluses.”

At the press event at Capital Sports in Helena, representatives from Wild Montana, Montana Wildlife Federation, Montana Trails Coalition, and the Montana State Parks Foundation made their opposition to any reduction in funding clear.

“Montanans … we’re really good at this. When we see something good that we want to do, then we figure out a way to get it done,” said Chris Marchion, a board member with Montana Wildlife Federation. “We need to take these monies that we have and invest them where we can get the best return for our wildlife and for our public going forward.”

Chris Smith, board vice president of the Montana State Parks Foundation and former deputy director of Fish Wildlife and Parks, said the biggest challenge for his department was providing adequate funding for the state parks program.

“It’s always been underfunded in terms of the potential value it provides to the people of Montana,” Smith said. “The marijuana funding that we received in state parks since 2020 has been incredibly important and will be increasingly important in the future.”

With the recent acquisition of a parcel of land near Judith Landing, Montana has 56 state parks that have seen vast increases in visitation in recent years.

The conservation groups also mentioned that Montanans have a clear appetite for funding conservation measures, pointing to a measure last session to expand allocations of marijuana revenue that passed with overwhelming support before Gov. Gianforte vetoed it.

“The bottom line is that Montana can afford, and Montanans want to honor this ongoing commitment to public lands, state parks, trails and wildlife conservation,” Marion said. “There’s a real growing concern among our population, here in Montana, that the state is changing, it’s growing, and to protect the Montana that we all love, the reason we all live here, we need to protect these investments.”

Seniors: Apply for Hi-Line Sportsmen scholarships by Feb. 10

Posted (Monday, January 13th 2025)

Valley County high school seniors are encouraged to visit their school’s career counselor this month for information about and application materials for the annual Hi-Line Sportsmen’s scholarships. Application deadline for this year’s scholarship is Monday, Feb. 10.

Multiple sizable scholarships will again be awarded at Hi-Line Sportsmen’s annual fundraising banquet, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 22, at Glasgow’s St. Raphael’s Catholic Church parish center gymnasium. The “keep-it-local” conservation group will once again offer a wide variety of guns and one-of-a-kind items available to win on raffle or auction.

Two of the scholarships to be awarded at the banquet honor the memory of two-time champions of youth and outdoor recreation, the late Barb Marsh and Mark Jackson. To memorialize their commitment to the community, each year Barb’s partner, Joe Younkin, and Mark’s wife, Karen Jackson, sponsor a special gun that is auctioned at the banquet. Proceeds from last year’s commemorative guns are tapped for scholarships for this year’s recipients.

Over the past 10 years, the conservation group has awarded over $25,000 to the county’s graduating seniors.

All Valley County high school seniors are eligible to apply for the scholarships, which are designed to aid in recipients’ pursuit of a college degree or trade-school certification. Application materials are available from career counselors at these schools: Glasgow, Nashua, Opheim, Hinsdale, Frazer, and Lustre Christian.

In keeping with the wildlife-conservation mission of Hi-Line Sportsmen, scholarship applicants must possess a current Montana Conservation License and submit a copy of their license with their application. Other considerations are a short essay in which applicants discuss their interest in hunting, fishing, and community service as well as submission of two personal letters of recommendation.

For details about eligibility and other scholarship information, students are encouraged to check with career counselors or visit with Jenn Jackson at 263-7339 or email at jennjenn910@gmail.com.

For information on the Feb. 22 banquet, contact a Hi-Line Sportsmen member or visit the group’s Facebook page. The banquet raises funds for local wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation, youth events, and to promote our hunting heritage.

Valley County Commissioner Meeting From January 8th

Posted (Monday, January 13th 2025)

The Valley County Commissioners met on January 8th for their weekly Discussion and Decision meeting.

Action items taken:

Appointed Aubrey Werner to St. Marie Fire Board filling vacancy left by Ann Frost

Appointed Curtis Leader to Valley County Fair Board filling vacancy left by Tim Potter

Passed a resolution setting Commissioner meeting dates and times. The Commissioners will meet Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9am to 3pm. This does not include the Discussion and Decision meetings on Wednesday's.

Passed a resolution establishing a location for posting public notices. The Commissioners will post all public notices at 3 locations in the Valley County Courthouse.

Passed a resolution changing the standard mileage rate for reimbursement to 70 cents per mile.

Passed a resolution establishing lodging and meal rates. The new in-state rates are $8.25 for breakfast, $9.25 for lunch and $16.00 for dinner.

Passed a resolution establishing fees for services provided by the Sheriff for 2025.

Passed a resolution establishing daily rate for incarceration for 2025 in the amount of $80 per day.

27th Annual Ice Fishing Derby Set For February 8th

Posted (Monday, January 13th 2025)

The Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture will hold the 27th Annual Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, February 8, 2025. The derby will be held at the Fishing Access Site: The Dredge Cuts Trout Pond, located on Highway 117. Registration is from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fishing is from noon - 3 p.m.

The entry fee is $50 per hole or 3 holes for $100. Cash and prizes will be awarded at 4:00 p.m. at the Gateway Club. There are over 150 holes pre-drilled for the anglers.

First place is GUARANTEED for $2,000. The first and largest fish of walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, carp, sucker, burbot, lake trout or bass weighing in wins. You must have a current Montana fishing license to participate. A Yeti cooler will be raffled off and will be drawn for at the Gateway Club.

Hot cocoa, coffee, hot dogs and bratwursts, onions & kraut will be for sale during the Derby. The ladies will also be holding the 50/50 drawing.

The tournament is sponsored by Agland Coop, Bank of Glasgow, Coca-Cola, Cottonwood Inn, D&G, Edward Jones, Ezzie’s Wholesale, Opportunity Bank, Glasgow Auto Sales, Hi Line Ford, Interstate Engineering, Independence Bank, JR’s Party Store, KLTZ/Mix 93, Lakeridge Lodge & Bait Shop, Farm Bureau Insurance-Shane Gibson, Nemont, Nemont Beverage Corporation, Northern Prairie Auto Sales, Prairie Travelers, Reynolds, Scottie Express Wash, T&R Trucking, The Gateway, Thompson & Sons and the Fort Peck Marina.

Entry forms are available at the Glasgow Chamber office, 406-228-2222 or online at www.glasgowchamber.net. Bring the kids, sleds, skates, and bait for a fun Ice Day at Fort Peck Lake MT. Join us for an afternoon of fishing and fun.

Missing Juvenile From Circle, Montana Has Been Found

Posted (Sunday, January 12th 2025)

*UPDATE 9:30 AM 1/12/25 CAYDENCE HAS BEEN LOCATED AND IS OKAY

MISSING JUVENILE from CIRCLE, MT -Caydence Kuntz, 14 year old female. She was last seen in Circle early this evening (1/11/2025) wearing a black coat, light grey sweats, and white crocs with wildcat charms. If anyone in town has security cameras, please check them for anytime after 5:45 pm. If you have any information, please contact the McCone County Sheriff's Office 406-485-3405.

Gas Prices Edge Higher As United States Keeps Oil Production Crown

Posted (Friday, January 10th 2025)

The national average for a gallon of gas is stuck in neutral and has not budged since last week to stay at $3.06. Meanwhile, today’s national average per kilowatt hour of electricity at a public EV charging station remained at 34 cents, the same amount for almost 5 months.

“Looking back at 2024, the high point for the national average was $3.67 on April 19, and the low was $3.01 on December 10,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “If the national average follows seasonal norms, it will probably waffle up and down by a few cents for the next two months.”

The average price for a gallon of gasoline in Montana is $2.81 per gallon and in Valley County the price is $2.86 per gallon.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand rose from 8.16 million b/d last week to 8.48. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks soared from 231.4 million barrels to 237.7, while gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 8.9 million barrels daily. The retail price for regular-grade gasoline averaged $3.30 per gallon in 2024, 21 cents less than in 2023.

The EIA also reported that the United States produced more crude oil than any other nation in the six years 2018-2023. Last year’s numbers are still being crunched, but the trend will likely continue. Crude oil production in the United States averaged 12.9 million barrels daily in 2023, breaking the previous U.S. and global record of 12.3 million in 2019. The EIA says the 2023 oil production record is unlikely to be broken by another country anytime soon.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.06, five cents more than a month ago and a penny less than a year ago.

Winter Storm System Moving Into Northeast Montana

Posted (Friday, January 10th 2025)

An Alberta Clipper system will bring wintry mix of precipitation to northeast MT on Friday night through Saturday.

Ice accumulation from freezing rain is possible in central Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, and Roosevelt counties. Snow accumulations of 1-3 inches are possible with greater accumulations in higher terrain areas.

Senate President has ‘big concerns’ over battle to unite Republican caucus

Posted (Friday, January 10th 2025)

Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, said Thursday night that he has “big concerns” about the remaining 86 days of the 69th Legislature after his fractured Republican majority failed to coalesce around leadership’s preference for the chamber’s rules.

“When you have, at the very beginning of session like this, a group that says, ‘Hey, we’re not going to affirm the majority’s decisions, the voters’ decision that the majority Republicans made back in November,’ it strains things,” Regier told reporters following a failed vote to take up a resolution on rules governing the body. “I mean the vote’s right there — going to the Democrats to buck the majority.”

The vote on the fourth evening of the Legislature was to adopt comprehensive rules governing the operations, decorum, and committee functions within the chamber, which became controversial.

On Monday, Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, made a successful bid to change the rules Republican leadership wanted.

The change called for limiting a new Executive Review Committee in order to redistribute the small number of minority party members to other committees.

Nine Republican lawmakers, including former Senate President Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, joined the Democrats to pass those rules. Glasgow State Senator Gregg Hunter is one of the nine Republican lawmakers who voted for the new Senate rules. Hunter also received a new committee assignment, now serving Business, Labor and Economic Affairs rather than the Executive Review Committee.

Republican leadership tried this week to revert to their initial plan, but failed Thursday night, as the same nine Republicans and all Democrats voted down an amended proposal from leadership.

Republican leaders stressed the amendment included concessions to the nine defectors.

“At some point you just say, ‘We’re going to move on with business, and I guess if you guys and the Democrats want to control the floor, that’s your prerogative,’” Regier said to the nine.

“I mean, we’ll be back. We’ll have permanent rules, we got to keep moving and get this squared away,” he added. “But in the meantime, there’s going to be committee meetings happening and we’ll get things ramped up here.”

On Monday, the Senate approved temporary rules in order to begin functioning, and the Senate will continue to operate under them and may do so indefinitely.

Because of the dispute, Senate work has stalled during the first week of the session.

Throughout the day Thursday, members of the Republican caucus were in discussions over how to come together to govern with their majority, and Thursday afternoon, Regier urged members of his caucus to support an effort to revert to the plan leadership wanted.

Senators on different sides of the issue were emotional — and pointed — about their stances, with Regier and other leaders calling on their members to take the authority the voters had given them in November.

In response to Republicans who didn’t like the way committees were set up, Sen. Sue Vinton, R-Billings, said she didn’t get her way on the Senate either on some things, but she supported leadership.

“I didn’t get to be a chair or vice chair … like some other freshman. I’m OK with that,” Vinton said. “I’m here to serve, to serve the people in my district and the people in Montana.”

But Ellsworth, who had made an unsuccessful bid for president of the Senate, said he would sleep well at night with his decision. He said problems had come up in the Senate, issues that excluded the people of Montana, and there was more work to be done.

Regier countered with a fiery call to come together and govern with the mandate the Republican majority was given and drew applause.

“Montanans did not send the Democrats to run the show, they sent us. And I will not move from that. I will never stop fighting for all 32 of you,” Regier said.

However, Regier’s overtures proved fruitless when the vote failed 27-23, the same count as Monday.

“What the hell just happened,” Sen. Mike Cuffe, R-Eureka, asked as he left the floor.

At the end of the day, Regier said the continued Republican defection, even after removing the Executive Review Committee from the rules, “leaves the question mark.”

“I would love it if those nine would join the caucus that they ran on, that they won on, and stop this procedure,” Regier said. But, “I’m going to keep pushing forward with what Montanans have sent us here to do.”

City Of Glasgow Receives Grant For Wayfinding Project

Posted (Friday, January 10th 2025)

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced Thursday that four Montana communities will share $100,000 in grant funding to regenerate Main Street businesses and downtowns. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Main Street Program.

“Montana Main Street Program funding helps communities strengthen and preserve their historic downtown commercial districts through community development, revitalization and historic preservation,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “The Main Street program promotes local efforts through a statewide network of educational outreach, coordination and organization to support Main Street communities throughout Montana.”

The MMS Program works with local partners to identify and plan for a community’s greatest development needs and provides seed money to help implement high-impact projects.
Communities that will receive MMS grant funding:

• The City of Bozeman will receive $30,000 for the I-Ho Pomeroy Peace Park project.
• The City of Butte will receive $20,000 for the Re-Lighten Up Butte Headframes project.
• The City of Glasgow will receive $30,000 for the Phase 5 Wayfinding project.
• The City of Sidney will receive $20,000 for a downtown master plan.

In 2023, the City of Sidney received $50,000 of MMS grant funding for the restoration of the historical Yellowstone Mercantile building to install windows and doors.

“As a result of the Montana Main Street Program, Sidney has made significant strides in revitalizing its community with the restoration of the historic Yellowstone Mercantile building, which serves as a vital landmark for the downtown area. By focusing on strategic planning and partnerships, we aim to continue leveraging MMS to create a downtown master plan that will enhance the region's appeal for local businesses and social capital,” said Kali Godfrey, Executive Director of the Sidney Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, there are 38 Montana Main Street communities. Eligible applicants for MMS grants include MMS communities which currently do not have an active grant.

The Montana Main Street Program was established in 2005 and is administered by Commerce’s Community MT Division. Funding for the program comes from Senate Bill 540.
For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov.


Trustee Positions Open On Glasgow School Board

Posted (Friday, January 10th 2025)

Two Glasgow School District trustee positions are open for the May 6th annual school election. Terms expiring include Stan Ozark’s and Ryan Fast’s. One position is a 3-year term and the other is a 1-year term. Stan Ozark has filed for the 3-year position.

Applications to run for the school board are available on the school website under the news section, or can be picked up at the School Administration Office located at 229 7th Street North. There are separate applications for the different terms. The deadline to apply is 5:00 p.m. on March 27th. For further information regarding the election, contact Kelly Doornek at 228-2406.

Montana State Senate Committee Work In Quagmire After Committee Dustup

Posted (Thursday, January 9th 2025)

The Senate’s first vote of the session sent the chamber into a quagmire this week, with several key committees going dark "until further notice" as Republican leadership worked to regain control of its majority status.

Democrats are once again in the minority in both chambers this session. However, at an opportune moment on the Senate floor Monday, Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, made a substitute motion to amend the body’s rules, breaking up a newly created committee and appointing its members to more substantive, sought-after committees, such as Finance and Claims.

GOP leaders urged their caucus to reject the amendment, but nine Republicans — mostly moderates — joined all 18 Democrats in voting for the amendment. The shake-up prevailed on a 27-23 vote, putting Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, on defense in his first day as Senate President.

The Executive Branch Review Committee was created in December to vet bills proposed by the governor’s office. Flowers' amendment changed that committee's status to an on-call body, and those bills from the governor's office would largely be redistributed to committees that deal in their subject matter, as lawmakers had done in the past.


Flowers on Monday told reporters the Executive Branch Review Committee had been pitched as an extra check on the Gianforte administration, but Democrats felt the resulting committee assignments hobbled their effectiveness on other committees. Republicans who voted for Flowers' amendment likewise said longtime lawmakers had been moved off committees where they had more experience.

Regier said Tuesday he was unaware of the nine Republicans’ plans to change the rules alongside Democrats.

"I wasn’t part of that. Didn’t know it was coming," Regier said. "We had done our work as a caucus the last two months and the minority leader and a few Republicans changed that up."

He characterized the move as the group undoing two months of work by Senate Republican leadership to sort out committee assignments and committees’ partisan makeup in 15 minutes on the first day of the session. A day after Flowers' amendment passed on the Senate floor, several Senate committee chairpersons announced their committees would not be meeting until further notice.


The rules package went to the Senate Rules Committee on Wednesday morning, and lawmakers amended the rules again to eliminate the Executive Branch Review Committee altogether.

Two of the Republicans — Sens. Jason Ellsworth of Hamilton and Wendy McKamey of Great Falls — who voted for Flowers’ amendment during Monday’s floor session joined Democrats in opposing the amendment in Wednesday’s meeting. There was no discussion about the amendment before senators voted.

The amendment’s passage sets up another vote on the rules resolution on Thursday afternoon. It could go two ways: If the Republican majority prevails, the committee assignments from Flowers' amendment are void, and GOP leadership will reassign those lawmakers as they wish. If Flowers' coalition from Monday's votes again to reject the rules, then Democrats and moderate Republicans will stay on those committees, at least for now.

Ellsworth was noncommittal as to whether he believed he and the eight other Republicans who voted in favor of Flowers’ amendment on Monday would work with Democrats to make a similar move on Thursday.

"Everybody gets a vote. We’ll see how the vote goes," Ellsworth told the Montana State News Bureau following the committee meeting Wednesday morning.

Sen. Gregg Hunter, a freshman Republican from Glasgow, was one of the nine Republicans who voted for Flowers' amendment on Monday.

"It felt like they had pulled people off committees where they had years of experience," Hunter told the Montana State News Bureau, referring to both Democrats and Republicans whose time would be moved away from their longtime focus areas for a committee that no longer had a clear purpose.

Hunter said legislative leadership had not approached him about reversing his vote, although someone had, and he declined to name that person.

Senator Hunter told Kltz/Mix-93 that he was appointed to the Executive Review committee but that there wasn't enough work on the committee and he felt the members of the committee could better serve their constituents serving on other committees. On Tuesday, Hunter was appointed to the Business, Labor and Economic Affairs committee and Hunter said he would be able to have input on important legislation that would affect northeast Montana. Hunter also told Kltz/Mix-93 that he was elected to serve his constituents first, followed by Montana and then the Republican Party.

Several Republicans who voted for Flowers’ amendment appeared ready to hold their ground on Thursday's vote.

Sen. Bruce "Butch" Gillespie, R-Ethridge, said he'll vote to reject the GOP leadership's resolution and to maintain the effects of Flowers' amendment.


"We've got to get along with our little differences," Gillespie said of the GOP infighting that's dominated the recent days in the Capitol. "It's good to have some differences. But we have to utilize our skillsets."

McKamey, who voted for Flowers' amendment, likewise said she'll stand her ground on Thursday's vote.

"I'm pretty consistent," she said.

Valley County Opts In On The Montana Community Reinvestment Plan

Posted (Thursday, January 9th 2025)

The Valley County Commissioners met in regular session on Dec. 31, to discuss whether or not to opt into the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan through House Bill 819. This plan allocates $56 million statewide to provide homebuyer assistance to low-and middle-income residents with Valley County being eligible to receive $310,000.

After researching the program and discussing the program with NeighborWorks Montana, the Valley County Commissioners voted 2-1 to approve Resolution No. 21-2024, a resolution to affirmatively participate in the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan (MCRP) by identifying and approving a Community Reinvestment Organization (CRO). NeighborWorks Montana qualifies as a CRO pursuant to the statutory requirements of HB 819 and the County Commissioners selected this organization for purposes of participation in the MCRP.

“The word got to us kind of late that we needed to opt in or out by the 31st,” stated Commissioner John Fahlgren. “We had like a week or so to decide this and it’s pretty dang complicated. We had reservations about doing it because it seemed like a poor idea for the buyer because if they could somehow come down with a down payment and not have to use the program, then whatever appreciation their house gets when they sell it, it’s theirs. Here [with this program] the appreciation goes back to NeighborWorks and they [the homeowner] only gets one percent per year.” He also stated they had discussions with NeighborWorks Montana regarding whether or not the County would have to expedite zoning and ordinances as a result of opting in. The Commissioners were assured and guaranteed that the County has no liability to this program, all they have to do is opt-in to receive the funds.

The resolution states, in part, that the Valley County Board Of Commissioners believes after examining the program materials and considering the needs and potential benefits to its residents, participation in the MRCP program is important to the continued health, welfare and economic prosperity of the County’s constituents and businesses. It also states the Valley County Board of Commissioners bears no responsibility in providing required program match, that all match requirements will be satisfied by NeighborWorks Montana as the CRO.

However, there are reservations from the Commissioners regarding the County’s involvement in the program.

“I don’t understand why the County has to opt in or out. I don’t understand why the County is involved. That’s what worries me,” expressed Commissioner Mary Armstrong. “You know the devil’s always in the details...it just doesn’t sound like good legislation to me.” She also expressed how complicated it is for a first-time home buyer to understand the financing, with the concern being if people will truly understand the limitations on this program if the buyer opts in.


Though Commissioner Paul Tweten and Commissioner Fahlgren voted to approve to move forward and opt into the plan, they had some of the same reservations as Commissioner Mary Armstrong who voted to not opt in. “I’m willing to vote yes, but I sure would not recommend the program to anyone,” expressed Commissioner Tweten.

House Bill 819 requires counties to affirmatively opt in to the program and designate a CRO – a federally recognized charitable organization or certified economic or housing development organization – as a partner to oversee the program and its funding. Partner CROs are also responsible for matching the state funds with private investment, doubling the funds to $112 million.

Under the homebuyer assistance program, residents who make from 60 to 140 percent of the area median income qualify for interest-free loans, up to 30 percent of the total purchase price for a home. The program also caps monthly payments for the home at 30 percent of gross income, providing a limit to what the homebuyer can purchase.

Homes purchased under the program become deed-restricted and homeowners can only realize a one percent per year increase in value if they choose to sell their home. The difference between the one percent cap and the home’s total appreciation goes into the CRO’s revolving fund to perpetuate the program.

The Dec. 31 meeting was Valley County Commissioner Mary Armstrong’s last meeting as she decided not to renew her term after serving the County for six years. Commissioner Jeff Alsberg started his position as the newest County Commissioner on Jan. 2.

Lawmakers Hear Case for Dollar-Based Local Levies

Posted (Wednesday, January 8th 2025)

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would make local agencies ask voters for a specific dollar amount of property tax increases on ballot levies rather than rely on mills — a property tax-based increase that can help account for inflation and changes in property values.

Local levies are often used for public services like libraries or fire stations. The bill would still allow mills for public schools.

Supporters of House Bill 20 told lawmakers in the House Taxation Committee Tuesday that the change would stabilize local property taxes and clear up confusing language.

Bob Story, executive director of the Montana Taxpayers Association, said the bill helps voters better understand the transfer of taxpayer dollars.

“You shouldn’t allow governments to profit from growth in value due to reappraisals and inflation,” Story said. “If they want more money, they should ask the voters for more money.”

Executive director of the Montana League of Cities and Towns Kelly Lynch opposed the bill at the hearing, saying mills are necessary for local governments to fund growing communities.

“We have to retain those police officers, we have to retain those firemen over time,” Lynch said. “We have to pay for maintenance and operation of those facilities over time — a set dollar amount does not allow us to do that.”

Lynch said the League will support the bill if the dollar amounts are allowed to be fully adjusted for inflation. Currently, the bill only allows adjustment to half the rate of inflation.

Clayton Murphy is a reporter with the UM Legislative News Service, a partnership of the University of Montana School of Journalism, the Montana Broadcasters Association, the Montana Newspaper Association and the Greater Montana Foundation. Murphy can be reached at clayton.murphy@umconnect.umt.edu.

Medicaid expansion debate will affect other health policy issues before Montana Legislature

Posted (Wednesday, January 8th 2025)

A last-minute change to a 2019 bill put an end date on Montana’s Medicaid expansion program, setting the stage for what is anticipated to be the most significant health care debate of the 2025 Legislature.

In recent interviews, legislative leaders predicted a vigorous debate over keeping the Medicaid expansion program, which pays the medical bills of more than 75,000 low-income Montanans at an annual cost of about $1 billion to the federal and state governments. They also expect the topic to seep into other health policy decisions, such as the approval of new spending on Montana’s behavioral health system and regulation of hospital tax-exempt status.

“It all kind of links together,” said state Sen. Dennis Lenz, a Billings Republican and chair of the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Safety Committee.

Legislators from both parties also expect lawmakers from the GOP majority to continue to pursue abortion restrictions, despite a November statewide vote making abortion a right under the Montana Constitution.

The Medicaid expansion debate, however, looms largest among the health care topics.

“This is definitely the elephant in the room, so to speak,” said Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, a Belgrade Democrat.

Montana expanded Medicaid, initially for four years, in 2015, through a coalition of minority Democrats, some moderate Republicans, and a Democratic governor. A similar coalition renewed the program in 2019, but at the last moment, Senate Republicans tacked on an end date of June 30, 2025. That put the matter in the lap of this year’s Legislature.

Republicans still hold strong majorities in the state House and Senate, whose leaders voiced concerns about the expansion program.

This time around, the governor — Greg Gianforte — is a Republican. Last year, the Gianforte administration completed a post-pandemic eligibility reassessment that cut the number of expansion enrollees from a high of 125,000 people in April and May 2023 to approximately 76,600 people as of October, the most recent data available.

Gianforte has included funding for Medicaid expansion in his proposed budget, which must be approved by the legislature to take effect. His office said he wants “strong work requirements for able-bodied adults without dependents” to take part in the program. Spokesperson Kaitlin Price said the governor “has been clear that the safety net of Medicaid should be there for those who truly need it, but that it will collapse if all are allowed to climb on it.”

GOP legislative leaders clearly are skeptical of the program, saying it won’t continue without some “sideboards,” or additional requirements of enrollees and providers.

Whether any expansion bill passes “will depend on the people pushing it,” said Senate President Matt Regier, a Kalispell Republican who opposes expansion. “If there is no give-and-take, it could be an interesting vote.”

Flowers said he knows getting Medicaid expansion through the Senate will be tough. Republicans hold a 32-18 majority, and the GOP caucus leans conservative.

“There are a lot of my colleagues on the Republican side that are ideologically opposed, and I think you’re going to see that in their consistent voting against reauthorizing,” Flowers said.

Medicaid, funded by both the state and federal governments, provides health coverage for certain groups of low-income people. Expansion extended Medicaid coverage to nondisabled adults ages 19 to 64 with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level — about $20,800 a year for an individual in 2024.

The 2010 federal Affordable Care Act opened Medicaid to this new group of adults, starting in 2014. But a 2012 U.S. Supreme Court ruling said states could choose whether to adopt the change, and 40 have done so.

Republican state Rep. Ed Buttrey said he would sponsor a bill to reauthorize Medicaid expansion without an expiration date, but many GOP lawmakers remain unconvinced that expansion is needed, viewing it as a costly, unnecessary welfare program.

“I understand there are some pros to Medicaid expansion, but, as a conservative, I do have issues with — I guess I can’t get around it — socialized medicine,” said House Speaker Brandon Ler (R-Savage).

In September, representatives from a pair of conservative-funded think tanks made a case for ending Medicaid expansion, saying its enrollment and costs are bloated. The consulting firm Manatt, on the other hand, said more people have access to critical treatment because of Medicaid expansion.

At the least, it appears many Republicans want to require participants to work, pay premiums, or meet other conditions, if the program is to continue.

Premiums and work requirements are in Montana’s law right now. The Biden administration, though, nixed both, so they haven’t been in effect. Montana Republicans expect the incoming Trump administration to be more open to such provisions.


Democrats say Medicaid expansion has succeeded on many fronts: covering thousands of low-income workers, helping keep rural health care providers and hospitals afloat, and bringing hundreds of millions of federal dollars into Montana’s economy. The state pays 10% of the program’s costs, which totaled about $962.4 million in fiscal year 2024. The federal government picked up $870 million of that tab.

“With all that, it’s just stunning to me that there could be opposition,” Flowers said. “There is just no reason for us, collectively as a state, not to support this.”

Democrats will have their own expansion bill, brought by Rep. Mary Caferro of Helena. She said the bill would remove the work requirements and premiums, shine more light on the contracting activities of the state health department, and reopen some public assistance offices that have been closed. It also would make expansion permanent.

“We’re 10 years into this program,” said Rep. SJ Howell of Missoula, the Democratic vice chair of the House Human Services Committee, which debates health policy legislation. “I think that continuing a cycle of uncertainty for patients and providers doesn’t make sense.”

Legislators also see the expansion debate tying into other health care discussions.

Regier and Lenz said Montana’s nonprofit hospitals — strong supporters of expansion — have benefited greatly from the program and may need to give something back in return. One possibility: more government oversight of the “community benefits” that hospitals must provide to receive tax-exempt status.

They also noted that Montanans pay a fee for hospital stays to support the Medicaid program and that a fee on hospital outpatient revenue helps pay the costs of Medicaid expansion. Those fees and the resulting money raised for hospitals may merit review, they said.

Meanwhile, backers said Medicaid expansion underpins one of the governor’s major policy priorities, to improve the state’s behavioral health system. Gianforte has proposed spending up to $100 million over the next two years on 10 recommendations made by an advisory commission that reviewed the system for the past 18 months.

If Medicaid expansion ends, many adults would lose access to the mental health and addiction treatment system that Gianforte wants to improve, advocates said, while treatment providers would lose a significant source of revenue.

Money for the behavioral health changes would come, in part, from a $300 million fund created by the 2023 legislature. Lawmakers plan to scrutinize Gianforte’s proposals during the budgeting process. Howell said Democrats want to look at whether the changes would use enough of the $300 million fund quickly enough and on the most pressing needs.

Meanwhile, Republicans said they’ll likely introduce bills on abortion — even though Montanans approved Constitutional Initiative 128 by a 58-42 margin in November. CI-128 said the right to an abortion cannot be “denied or burdened” except by a “compelling government interest achieved by the least restrictive means.”

“It’s not going to slow us down in our pro-life positions,” Ler said of CI-128.

At a minimum, GOP leaders said, some of CI-128’s terms should be defined.

“With a very poorly written ballot initiative like that, we need to say, ‘What does that abortion industry look like under CI-128 and what’s our role as a state?’” Regier said.

But state Sen. Cora Neumann, a Bozeman Democrat on the Senate Public Health, Welfare, and Safety Committee, said the CI-128 vote provided a strong mandate for the right of privacy.

Enacting restrictions would lead to “that slippery slope of what’s next, if we allow legislators to rule on what’s happening in the doctor’s office,” she said. “What kind of can of worms could be opened to other invasions of privacy?”

Cash Donations Made To Glasgow School District Could Qualify You For A Dollar For Dollar Tax Credit On 2025 State Tax Bill

Posted (Wednesday, January 8th 2025)

Did you know taxpayers can make cash donations directly to the Glasgow Public Schools and get a dollar-for-dollar tax credit on their 2025 tax bill?

The program, which is being made available state-wide to ALL public schools, is called the "Innovative Educational Program Tax Credit".

It is a program that may directly benefit your local school district in any of the following five areas:

--Transformational and advanced learning opportunities.
--Programs, services, and equipment for students with disabilities.
--Work-based learning partnerships and pre-apprenticeship programs.
--Career and college-ready programs benefiting students.
--Technology that improves student experiences, access, learning, and opportunities.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

The Department of Revenue (DOR) portal for school districts to enter donations to qualify for the Innovative Educational Tax Credit opens on January 15, 2025 at 9:00 AM. We fully expect ALL funds to be allocated within a couple hours on the 15th of January.

If you are interested in this program, please act within the next 7 days. The Glasgow Public Schools is registered in the DOR portal and ready to go. Please complete the form below along with submitting a check for your donation to the Glasgow Public Schools. Direct link to the form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeLSCf1GnCWTxQssdBgT954Bm2uTsonkiLxvH7mUS34Wbg/viewform?usp=sf_link

The Glasgow Schools appreciate our community and any support we receive!

Below-average runoff and reservoir storage expected for the Missouri River Mainstem System in 2025

Posted (Wednesday, January 8th 2025)

For the 2024 calendar year, Missouri River basin runoff above Sioux City, Iowa totaled 23.3 million acre-feet, 91% of average.

Dry conditions continue to affect the upper Missouri River Basin at the start of the 2025 calendar year, so the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is forecasting below-average runoff into the mainstem reservoir system. For 2025, runoff in the Missouri River basin above Sioux City, Iowa is forecast to be 20.2 MAF, 79% of average.

The 2025 forecast is based on current runoff trends, drier than normal soil conditions, and below-average plains and mountain snowpack. At the start of the 2025 runoff season, which typically begins around March 1, the total volume of water stored in the Missouri River Mainstem reservoir system is expected to be 50.4 MAF, 5.7 MAF below the top of the carryover multiple use zone. The System is designed to use the water contained within the carryover multiple use zone to support the eight Congressionally authorized purposes during extended droughts. Those purposes are flood control, navigation, water supply, irrigation, hydropower, recreation, water quality control, and fish and wildlife.

Releases from Gavins Point Dam were increased from 12,000 cubic feet per second to 14,000 cfs on Dec. 28, prior to the recent cold weather. Releases are scheduled to be reduced to the 12,000 cfs winter release rate later in the week as the ice cover stabilizes. "Winter releases from Gavins Point Dam will remain low during January and February in order to conserve water in the System, based on the guidance in the Missouri River Mainstem System Master Manual,” said John Remus, Chief of the Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

There is enough water in the river for all water supply needs. Access to the water remains the responsibility of the facility owners and operators. “Weather and river conditions continue to be monitored and releases from Gavins Point Dam will be adjusted to the extent practical to help mitigate any negative effects of the cold weather. We know the importance of our operations to water supply,” added Remus.

Mountain snowpack in the upper Missouri River Basin is accumulating at below-average rates. The January 5, mountain snowpack in the Fort Peck reach was 85% of average, while the mountain snowpack in the Fort Peck to Garrison reach was 75% of average. More than half the mountain snowfall typically occurs from January 1 to mid-April and normally peaks near April 17.

Fort Peck Dam
Average releases past month – 5,600 cfs
Current release rate – 5,500 cfs
Forecast average release rate – 5,500 cfs
End-of-December reservoir level – 2226.2 feet
Forecast end-of-January reservoir level – 2225.6 feet
Notes: Releases will remain at 5,500 cfs in January and February.

The forecast reservoir releases and elevations discussed above are not definitive. Additional precipitation, lack of precipitation or other circumstances could cause adjustments to the reservoir release rates.

The six mainstem power plants generated 448 million kWh of electricity in December. Typical energy generation for December is 674 million kWh. Total energy generation for 2024 was 8.2 billion kWh of electricity, compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh. Forecast generation for 20254 is 8.4 billion kWh.


Glasgow Cape Air Ridership Up 4.1% Compared To 2023

Posted (Wednesday, January 8th 2025)

The Montana Department of Transportation is reporting that ridership on Cape Air Airlines in Glasgow is up 4.1% compared to 2023.

The statistics released by MDOT are through November of 2024.

Ridership in Glasgow through November totaled 5330 and this compares to 5122 in year 2023.

Other Essential Air Service communities in Montana and ridership through November:

Sidney- 13,408
Havre- 5535
Glendive- 3769
Wolf Point- 5638

FWP partnering with Glasgow Scout Troop 861 to turn Christmas trees into fish habitat

Posted (Tuesday, January 7th 2025)

Glasgow-area Boy Scout Troop 861 and Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks fisheries staff are once again collaborating to improve fish habitat at the Fort Peck Trout Pond.

Troop 861 and FWP fisheries staff are asking folks that have not yet discarded their Christmas trees to please donate them for fish habitat. These donated trees will be bundled together and placed on the ice at the Fort Peck Trout Pond later this winter, where they will remain until melting causes them to fall through the ice and settle to the bottom.

“The goal of these tree bundles is to improve and increase fish habitat availability in the Trout Pond and ultimately improve the fishery,” said Jared Krebs, Glasgow-area fisheries biologist.
This effort is a continuation of a habitat improvement initiative that began at the Fort Peck Trout Pond in 2022 and will continue to help Troop 861 and FWP fisheries staff work together to accomplish fishery management objectives.

Troop 861 and FWP fisheries staff are asking that trees be dropped off at the Glasgow Fairgrounds, near the Boy Scout food booth at the entrance to the fairgrounds where there is a pile of trees. All donated trees should be free of flocking, tinsel, and other decorations prior to donation. Any natural trees are welcome and can be donated.

Be on the lookout for future press releases and reminders regarding this project. Any fisheries-related questions about this project can be directed to Krebs via email or phone at jared.krebs@mt.gov or 406-808-7068.

Girl Scout Cookie Season Starts January 31st

Posted (Tuesday, January 7th 2025)

Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming will kick off their 2025 Girl Scout Cookie season on January 31, 2025, a time when Girl Scouts everywhere hone their entrepreneurial skills as they find new and inventive ways to sell cookies, unboxing brighter futures for themselves. With the much-anticipated cookie season back in full swing, cookie lovers can rejoice as they indulge in the classic cookie line-up.

The 2025 cookie lineup is jam-packed with the full spread of highly sought after cookie flavors, including Thin Mints®, Caramel deLites®, and Peanut Butter Patties®. Consumers can also enjoy Peanut Butter Sandwiches, Trefoils, Adventurefuls, Lemonades, Toast-Yay!®, and gluten and allergen free Caramel Chocolate Chip. At the close of the 2025 Cookie Season, the beloved cookie flavor, Toast-yay!® will be retired. Toast-yay!® enthusiasts can get their hands on the last of these favorite sweet treats by reaching out to a Girl Scout they know.

Girl Scout Cookies will sell for $6 per package with the exception of the gluten and allergen free Caramel Chocolate Chip, which will sell for $7 per package.

When girls participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world, they acquire a host of invaluable entrepreneurial skills, including goal setting, money management, decision making, people skills, and business ethics. Each package of cookies sold allows Girl Scouts to develop an inextinguishable entrepreneurial spirit, gaining courage, confidence, and character as they conquer new feats and embark on new adventures. Girl Scouts obtain transferable life skills as they earn a variety of badges and awards, including Cookie Business badges, Financial Literacy badges, Cookie Entrepreneur Family Pins, and Entrepreneur badges.

This season, Girl Scouts of Montana and Wyoming calls on community members to purchase their favorite cookies—and support the girls behind each box. All proceeds from cookie sales stay local to fuel inspiring experiences throughout the year including camp, amazing trips, service projects and much more.

Valley County Commission Meeting

Posted (Tuesday, January 7th 2025)

The Valley County Commissioners will have their weekly meeting on Wednesday.

2024 Was Second Warmest On Record For Glasgow

Posted (Monday, January 6th 2025)

2024 will go down as the second warmest year on record for Glasgow, with an average temperature of 46.9 degrees.

Other records of note:

September was the warmest September on record, with an average temperature of 67.8 degrees, beating out 65.9 degrees set in 2022.

22 daily temperature records were tied or broken: 20 of those were warm records. Only 2 were cold (both set in January).

The highest temperature reached during the year was 109 degrees, set on July 24th. The coldest was -37 set on January 14th. The all-time record high is 113 degrees, set on 7/31/1900. The record low is -59, set on 2/15/1936. The records date back to 1893. The climate normal period is 1991-2020.

Total precipitation of 11.91 inches fell shy of the normal of 13.44 inches. The record was set in 2011 at 22.96 inches.

Total snowfall was 32.6 inches, shy of the normal 40.7 inches. The record was also in 2011, at 83.4 inches.
==
December Highest Temperature: 45 degrees on December 25th and 27th
December Lowest Temperature: -7 on December 1st
Average Monthly Temperature: 23.5 degrees, 5 degrees above average

December Precipitation: .22, which was .21 lower than average
December Snowfall: 1.9 inches, 6.4 inches below normal
Snow, ice pellets, hail, rain and freezing rain all occurred in December

Fort Peck Fine Arts Council & Summer Theatre Moves Office

Posted (Sunday, January 5th 2025)

The Fort Peck Fine Arts Council & Summer Theatre has moved its Glasgow Business Office.

As of January 2, 2025 they are sharing space with the Glasgow Area Chamber of Commerce & Agriculture.

For more information, call the office at 406-228-9216 or visit FortPeckTheatre.org

Community Cast Auditions: February 16th from 10 a.m. til noon, Glasgow Middle School
Winter Show Reading: February 15th, 16th at the Heavey Gallery

Glasgow High School Educational Trust Announces Trustee Transition and Recent Awards

Posted (Saturday, January 4th 2025)


At a class reunion in 1964, members of the Glasgow High School Class of 1938 literally “passed the hat” to collect money to start a fund that would help GHS graduates pay for their higher education. It was the dream of those classmates that the fund would thrive and become a powerful, positive force in the community for generations to come. They hoped that it would also serve as an inspiration to others to promote learning and community service. Sixty years later, the trust now holds assets valued over $12 million dollars, and it has awarded over $3 million dollars in financial aid to over 800 different GHS graduates. There is no question that their dream has come true.

For forty-three of those sixty years, Linda Shepherd Allie has had a seat at the table as Trustee, Chief Recording Officer, and Publicity Chairperson. She concluded her tenure in December. At a recent retirement gathering with her colleagues, Allie said, “It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the trust all these years. I am grateful for the opportunity I was given, and I am confident that the trust is in good hands. Besides, you are my friends, and it was fun.”

Allie’s position as Trustee will be filled by Jeremiah Hopstad, a 1996 GHS graduate who earned a degree in Finance and Marketing from Montana State University-Bozeman. He is married to Glasgow native Amy Bell Hopstad, M.D., and the couple has three children in Glasgow schools. Upon his election, Hopstad said, “I’m excited to be part of the trust, and I’m ready to get to work.”

The Glasgow High School Educational Trust awards financial aid to GHS graduates pursuing degrees and/or certifications at colleges and trade schools throughout the nation. Trust awards are not traditional scholarships only for those with very high grade-point averages. All GHS graduates who are attending an accredited college or trade school and are in good academic standing are encouraged to apply. The aid is granted through a semi-annual application process administered by the trustees. Applicants must have completed one-year of college or one semester of trade school, be full-time students, either on campus or online, and show steady progress toward completion of a degree or certification. The application, which lists additional requirements that must be met, is available at www.ghsedutrust.org. It must be completed properly, thoroughly, and submitted on time to be considered. Financial need has always been a primary consideration; therefore, the trust has established levels of support to meet students’ diverse needs, and it distributes the funds available accordingly. Application deadlines are July 1st and October 15th of each year.

In addition to the awards made to students, the Glasgow High School Educational Trust also purchases equipment, uniforms, and other support materials for Glasgow High School that cannot be financed by traditional taxpayer-funded sources. Every department of GHS has received such awards, which benefit every student across the curriculum throughout his or her years of study. These additions and improvements also benefit members of the larger community when they attend activities at the school or use the school’s facilities for special events. To date, the trust has granted GHS over $325,000 for these requests.

Since its humble beginnings in 1964, the Glasgow High School Educational Trust has received donations of all sizes from people across the country and from all walks of life. Many of them have been made in honor, memory, or recognition of a specific individual, organization, or event. Contributions to the trust that total $500 or more in the name of a specific individual or organization allow for a one-time gift to be awarded in that name. Donations of $10,000 or more allow for an ongoing naming opportunity on a regular basis. Information about how to donate is available on the trust’s webpage at www.ghsedutrust.org

At its recent semi-annual regular meeting, the Glasgow High School Educational Trust awarded financial aid for the Spring 2025 semester only to the following students in honor (IHO), memory (IMO), or recognition (IRO) of the name(s) following theirs:

First-time recipients: Riley Smith, Montana Technological University, IMO Gary F. Martin; Lane Thompson, Montana State University, IRO Stannebein Family; Addison Zoanni, Paul Mitchell the School, IRO Ione and Phyllis Kleppin.

Second-time recipients: Wilson Overby, BYU-Idaho, IMO Glyn Bamford; Blair Westby, Montana State University, IMO Dean L. Rusher.

Third-time recipient: Emmalynn Page, South Dakota State University, IMO Harold H. and Irene W. Smith.

These awards are in addition to those granted last July for both semesters of the 2024-2025 academic year to 21 other students.

As the New Year begins, the Glasgow High School Educational Trust thanks its many supporters for the sixty years of generosity and loyalty that have made its progress possible. The Class of 1938 had as its class motto Thoreau’s charge: “Not only must we be good, but we must also be good for something.” With true Scottie Pride, it may be said: “Mission Accomplished.”

Latest On Winter Storm

Posted (Friday, January 3rd 2025)

(Updated Friday morning, 1/3/25)

A winter storm warning is in effect for portions of north central Montana, and a winter weather advisory is in effect for northeast Montana, until 5 a.m. Sunday. A cold air advisory is also in effect for northeast Montana until noon on Saturday.

Two to five inches of snowfall is possible throughout northeast Montana, while between 4 and 9 inches is possible in portions of Phillips County and to the west. Travel will become difficult through Saturday.

Meanwhile, wind chills will be as low as -35 in some areas of northeast Montana through Saturday morning.

The dangerously cold wind chills as low as 35 below zero could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes. Wind chill values can lead to hypothermia with prolonged exposure.

Winter Storm Watch Friday And Saturday

Posted (Thursday, January 2nd 2025)

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for North Central Montana extending into areas of Northeast Montana, including Valley County. The watch goes into effect Friday at 2 p.m. continuing until 5 p.m. Saturday.

Developing Storm System Friday night into Saturday night
KEY POINTS
• Light Snow in the west through Friday morning (<1 inch per any 24 hours.)
• Very cold temperatures tonight in the northeast
• Major storm system arrives across northeast Montana Friday Night and lasts through Saturday.
DETAILS
• Cold Weather Advisory is in effect for Sheridan County from 11 pm tonight through 11 am Friday.
• Wind chill temperatures as low as 30 below zero are possible.
• A Winter Storm Watch is in effect for Phillips, Valley, Petroleum and Garfield counties for Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.
• Currently 4 to 9 inches of snow are expected across the watch area.
• Snow amounts to the east of the watch could be up to 5 inches.

National Weather Service Monitoring Incoming System Set To Arrive This Weekend

Posted (Tuesday, December 31st 2024)

The National Weather Service office in Glasgow is monitoring an incoming weather system that could bring some heavy snow to northeast Montana this weekend. As of Tuesday morning, here is the projected timeline for the week:

- light Snow in the west Tuesday through Friday morning (<1 inch per any 24 hours.)

- major storm system arrives across northeast Montana Friday Night and lasts through Saturday.

- specific totals are unknown and likely to change.

Authorities Looking For Information On Wolf Point McDonald's Break-In

Posted (Tuesday, December 31st 2024)

From KULR8.com

Authorities are investigating a break-in at the McDonald's in Wolf Point that resulted in significant damage and theft.

The incident occurred at 1:00 a.m. on December 26, according to the McCone County Sheriff's Office.

Officials reported that the break-in caused thousands of dollars in damage and resulted in stolen goods.

The McCone County Sheriff's Office is urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Valley County Transit Temporarily Dropping After Hours On-Call Service

Posted (Monday, December 30th 2024)

Valley County Transit Press Release:

Due to a current staffing shortage, Valley County Transit will not be operating their on-call after-hours service from 5:00 pm – 11:00 p.m. and their 8:00 p.m. Saint Marie Run until further notice.

We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this may cause, and hope to resume normal hours soon.

Anti-Fraud Seminar Set For January 7th

Posted (Monday, December 30th 2024)

The Edward Jones office of Arron Franzen and the Bank of Bridger are hosting a fraud seminar at the Senior Citizens Center on Tuesday, January 7th.

Lunch will be provided for those age 60 + at 11:30 a.m. The seminar, "Outsmart the Scammers," begins at noon and will review common fraud scenarios, help attendees identify red flags to identify a scam, and how to protect themselves and their loved ones.

Please RSVP by calling 406-228-2628 by Friday, January 3rd.

New Year's Eve Rides Offered Again This Year

Posted (Monday, December 30th 2024)

Valley County Search & Rescue, Glasgow Fire Department along with local Wrecker services will provide rides on New Year’s Eve, with support from the DUI Task Force.

Call Randy Isakson – 406-263-2193, Shyanne Whiskey Isakson – 406-263-2505, Jeron Wesen – 406-263-0265, or Chris Leckie – 406-480-2916.

Math, Schweitzer Elected To Montana Premium Processing Board

Posted (Monday, December 30th 2024)

Michelle Math and Walter Schweitzer have been elected to the Montana Premium Processing Cooperative Board of Directors during recent elections held by the co-op.

Each will serve a three-year term helping to direct the member-owned, USDA inspected meat processing facility located in Havre.

Math, a graduate of MSU-Billings, also serves as a board member for the Rancher Stewardship Alliance and ranches with her husband near Whitewater and Malta. She called MPPC on the Hi-Line “crucial” to the growth of her family’s and others’ operations.

Schweitzer is a third-generation farmer and President of Montana Farmers Union. He is passionate about resilient local food supply chains and helped with the formation of both MPPC and Glacier Processing Cooperative in Columbia Falls.

Montana Premium Processing Co-op processes beef, hogs, sheep, goats, and bison, and has undergone growth since opening in 2023. Most recently, the co-op received $250,000 in Local Meat Capacity grant funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. MPPC will use the funds to equip a value-added space at the facility, including a smoker, cooler, vacuum sealer, briner/injector, and machine to make sausages, as well as other equipment for the slaughter floor to handle the increase in animals processed.

Learn more about the facility and how to become a member at www.mtpremiumprocessing.com.

Montana Millionaire Drawing Held Thursday

Posted (Friday, December 27th 2024)

Check those tickets! The Montana Lottery has drawn the winning numbers for the Montana Millionaire.

Ticket # 021333, Cranny's Club Tavern and Casino in Dillon
Ticket # 416013, Beartooth Harley - Davidson in Billings
Ticket # 143115, Grand Slam Casino in Great Falls
Ticket # 077800, Super 1 Foods of Great Falls

This year the Montana Lottery increased the number of available tickets to 500,000 and added a fourth $1 million prize.

Despite the increased number of tickets, the game sold out in less than three hours, another record. The previous record was around five hours.

The Montana Lottery works like a raffle. Prize winners are guaranteed because they are drawn from tickets sold.

The game also included 2,300 $500 instant win prizes and 4,500 $100 instant win prizes and the Quarter Million Monday drawing.

Montana Population Growth Slowing

Posted (Friday, December 27th 2024)

For the last several years, Montana’s population has swelled as new residents flocked to the state amid the COVID-19 pandemic and and remote work migration, making the Treasure State one of the fastest growing in the country. But according to new data released Dec. 19 by the U.S. Census Bureau, that trend has reversed as Montana’s growth rate continues to decline.

As of July 2024, the federal agency estimates that Montana has a population of 1,137,223, an increase 5,931 from July of 2023.

That’s roughly the equivalent of adding another Columbia Falls or Lewistown to the Treasure State map, but is a steep decrease from the prior year’s increase of more than 9,000 new residents.

The U.S. Census Bureau annual population estimates are produced by extrapolating from the last decennial census and adding births, subtracting deaths, and estimating both international and domestic net migration. County- and city-level population growth data is released every spring.

At the height of the pandemic migration between 2020 and 2021, Montana’s population spiked by nearly 20,000 residents, a nearly 2% growth rate that made the state the second-fastest growing in the country.

The pattern of decline seen since then can be partly attributed to housing scarcity and costs in many of the state’s fastest growing areas such as Bozeman and the Flathead Valley, according to the Montana Department of Commerce.

The 2024 growth rate of 0.52% ranks 37th among U.S. states and lags behind the nation — which grew by 1% — from 2023 to 2024.

Jeffrey Michael, director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research at the University of Montana, told the Daily Montanan that the state's year-over-year growth rate is the lowest since 2002, and it is the first time in more than a decade that the state's population has grown slower than the U.S. population.

Michael focused on the Census Data showing that international migration was the primary driver behind the national growth rate and speculated that could be a large factor in Montana's relative slowdown.

"Montana historically has the lowest levels of international migration in the country, and there was no noticeable change in 2024," Michael told the Daily Montanan. "I guess it is hard to attribute Montana's slowdown to the absence of this source of growth, but it certainly is very interesting when comparing to other states where international flows are notably pushing up population."

Drawing a comparison to Idaho, which was the fastest growing state in 2021 and has remained in the top seven ever since, Michael noted that the neighboring state gained 7,899 international migrants in 2024 compared to Montana's 506.

Further comparing the two states, while both showed a decrease in domestic migration, Montana's was much sharper, which Michael hypothesized is "likely due to higher housing costs and the remote-work boom receding. Much of Montana has gotten more expensive than Idaho."

Since the 2020 Census, which sets a base population rate from April 1, 2020, Montana has gained 53,017 individuals, almost exclusively due to residents moving from other states. Montana had 3,000 more deaths than births during that timeframe, but the difference in birth rate and death rate between 2023 and 2024 was roughly even with 12 more births.

Montana is the 43rd state by population, counting the District of Columbia, having leapfrogged Rhode Island in 2021. The next largest states are Maine, New Hampshire and Hawaii, all with roughly 1.4 million residents.

The District of Columbia grew 2.17% over the last year, followed by Florida at 2.04%. Texas, Utah, South Carolina, Nevada, Idaho and North Carolina all grew at a rate higher than 1.5%.

Texas gained the most new residents, with 562,941, while Mississippi, West Virginia and Vermont all lost several hundred.

Valley Community Emergency Food Bank Closes In On Goal

Posted (Tuesday, December 24th 2024)

From the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank!

Update: We are closing in on our goal!

So far we have received $8650 earmarked toward the $10000 match goal generously set by the family of Dora Radakovich. Any and all support is appreciated to help us reach the goal! Tax deductible donations can be sent to PO Box 63 Glasgow, MT 59230 (remember to note match or building in your check memo)

Merry Christmas from all the volunteers at the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank!!!

Local Governments Receive Grant Funding To Help Plan Infrastructure Projects

Posted (Monday, December 23rd 2024)

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 21 Montana cities, towns, counties and water and sewer districts will share nearly $800,000 of grant funding to help communities plan infrastructure projects that will construct or upgrade drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Coal Endowment Program.

“MCEP planning grants help communities prepare for critical infrastructure system improvements so residents can count on good quality drinking water and reliable wastewater services,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce.

The MCEP program is designed to help address the affordability of local infrastructure projects by providing grants to lower the cost of constructing public facilities.

The following communities and districts will receive MCEP planning grants:

• The Assiniboine and Sioux Tribe will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• The Town of Bearcreek will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• Beaverhead County Jackson Water and Sewer District will receive $27,000 to complete a wastewater system preliminary engineering report.
• The Town of Belt will receive $32,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• The City of Billings will receive $40,000 to complete a stormwater system preliminary engineering report.
• The City of Choteau will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report update.
• The Town of Clyde Park will receive $30,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• The City of Cut Bank will receive $40,000 to complete a wastewater system preliminary engineering report.
• The City of Dillon will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• The Town of Fairview will receive $40,000 to complete a wastewater system preliminary engineering report.
• The Fort Belknap Indian Community will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• The City of Fort Benton will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report update.
• The City of Hamilton will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• The Hinsdale County Water and Sewer District will receive $40,000 to complete a wastewater system preliminary engineering report.
• The North Havre County Water District will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• Powell County will receive $40,000 to complete a stormwater system preliminary engineering report.
• The City of Red Lodge will receive $30,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report update.
• The Riverside County Water and Sewer District will receive $40,000 to complete a water system preliminary engineering report.
• The Seeley Lake Sewer District will receive $38,362 to complete a wastewater system preliminary engineering report.
• The Town of Virginia City will receive $40,000 to complete a wastewater preliminary engineering report.
• The City of Wolf Point will receive $40,000 to complete a stormwater system preliminary engineering report.

In 2021, the City of Thompson Falls received $15,000 in grant funding from the Treasure State Endowment Program, now called MCEP, for a preliminary engineering report that eventually led to the city receiving $750,000 of MCEP grant funding to help improve and upgrade the community’s aging sewer system to meet modern environmental and public health standards.

“The City of Thompson Falls is excited to announce a major milestone in the completion of its sewer project, made possible by a generous grant from the Montana Coal Endowment Program. This grant has played a crucial role in reducing the financial burden on the city's sewer system improvements, providing significant benefits to both the community and its residents,” said Chelsea Peterson, Thompson Falls City Clerk and Treasurer.

Eligible applicants for MCEP planning grants include incorporated cities or towns, counties, consolidated governments, tribal governments and county or multi-county water, sewer or solid waste districts. The funding for the program comes from revenues earned on interest from Coal Severance Taxes.
For more information about MCEP planning grants, visit comdev.mt.gov.


Nemont Receives Federal Funding To Replace Equipment From Chinese Tech Company

Posted (Friday, December 20th 2024)

Story from www.montanafreepress.org

Montana’s two largest telephone cooperatives took a multimillion-dollar hit in 2019 when the federal government pulled the plug on Chinese tech company Huawei.

Not-for-profit rural telephone providers had spent millions on Huawei’s bargain-priced tech to improve cell phone service in rural areas where for-profit companies invested little if anything.

Co-ops including Nemont, in Scobey, and Triangle Communications, in Havre, were already years into their installation of Huawei tech in 2019 when the Trump administration identified the corporation as an extension of the Chinese government, capable of spying on U.S. communications. By that time, Huawei’s chief financial officer had been arrested in Canada for extradition to the United States.

The government put the clamps on Huawei’s products, while assuring the telcos that a solution was in the works. This week, the Senate approved $1 billion in compensation for affected phone companies by logrolling funding for the “Rip and Replace Act” into the National Defense Authorization Act, a major spending bill.

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Montana, sponsored the effort.

The money is still not enough to fully replace the cooperatives’ “unsecure tech,” according to Jessica Rosenworcel, chair of the Federal Communications Commission. Rosenworcel told senators last month that another $3 billion is needed to make rural phone providers nationwide whole.

Pointing specifically to Montana, the communications lobby warned that paving the cracks in America’s information superhighway requires money.

“This critical work cannot be completed with only 40 cents on the dollar, and costs incurred to date are reaching or surpassing the funding currently available,” Tim Donovan warned congressional leadership earlier this year. Donovan is CEO of the Competitive Carriers Association, the trade group for telecommunications carriers.

Without full funding, one Montana carrier “will be forced to reduce service by over 62%” (a coverage area of more than 1,500 square miles) Donovan warned. A large rural area in the upper plains won’t transition to 5G because it does not have full funding to remove the untrusted equipment.

The Tuesday vote means an estimated $67 million for Nemont to cover its Huawei replacement costs, but that’s just a final installment in compensation that the federal government estimated at $111 million in 2022. Triangle’s costs for two entities were roughly $12.6 million, though, like Nemont, its total compensation was larger: $21 million spread over two votes years apart. Another Montana telco, Velocity Communications, will have received an estimated $3 million in total.

In addition to removing Huawei tech, the telcos must rid themselves of tech from ZTE, another China firm banned from U.S. phone communications.

Capitolized solicited comment for this article from Nemont and Triangle, which is to say, we called. They didn’t respond.

Drug Investigation And Arrest In Phillips County

Posted (Friday, December 20th 2024)

The Phillips County Sheriff's Office participated in an investigation this week that resulted in arrests and charges filed including distribution of drugs.

Valley County Unemployment Rate At 2.1%

Posted (Friday, December 20th 2024)

Helena, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced that Montana continued its historic stretch of unemployment with the rate remaining at or below 3.4% for 41 consecutive months.

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.

Valley County has an unemployment rate of 2.1% with 3884 employed in the county. Phillips County has an unemployment rate of 3% and Roosevelt County at 3%.

The Montana unemployment rate fell with the total number of payroll jobs increasing by 900 jobs, led by gains in the accommodation and food services industry. Since the start of the year, Montana has added 12,000 jobs.

November marked the fifth consecutive month that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased. The all-items index rose 2.7% for the 12 months ending in November. Core inflation, or the index for all-items less food and energy, rose 0.3% in November for a 12-month increase of 3.3%. The indexes for shelter rose 0.3% in November, accounting for 40% of the increase in the monthly all-items index.

Valley County Search And Rescue Providing Transportation Services New Years Eve

Posted (Friday, December 20th 2024)

From Valley County Search and Rescue:

We encourage you to take advantage of the transportation services being offered at no cost to you. Our volunteers will provide courteous pickup from your residence and transport you to any destination of your choice, including the next establishment.

Our vehicles will be fully operational and warm. We kindly request that you refrain from driving. We express our sincere gratitude to our volunteers, who have selflessly donated their time, and to the DUI Task Force, which has provided additional financial support.

Valley Community Emergency Food Bank Receives Pledge For New Building

Posted (Thursday, December 19th 2024)

Message from Valley Community Emergency Food Bank in Glasgow!

Everyone, we have exciting news! Our anonymous donor who initially pledged to match $5000 to seed our building fund has come forward and doubled down!

The family and friends of Dora Radakovich have committed a memorial to match up to $10,000 raised to honor Dora.

The family hopes to build on this donation to help jump start a new space for The Valley Community Food Bank.

Please give this a share and give what you can to help us reach our matching goal by December 31st.

Remember that all donations are tax deductible. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 63 Glasgow, MT 59230. Please note match or building in the memo of checks (or let your intentions known so we know where to utilize your donation).

Glasgow High School Student Council Prepares Turkey Dinner For Students And Staff

Posted (Thursday, December 19th 2024)

From Glasgow High School Student Council:

Student Council Turkey Dinner 2024

From 1am-12pm our members were preparing a huge lunch for the middle school and high school. The lunch included- turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, stuffing, cranberries and ice cream.

Thank you Albertsons for the generous donation!!

Teacher pay primed to dominate public school funding conversation in the Legislature

Posted (Thursday, December 19th 2024)

After roughly nine months of negotiations, teachers and school administrators in Kalispell last month ratified a new two-year union contract that will raise salaries for first-year educators by more than $9,000. District and union leaders billed the agreement as critical to addressing financial challenges for staff in the Kalispell Public Schools, where the starting salary heading into fall 2024 was $38,385 and the median housing price is the second highest in the state.

“Many educators have faced financial strain, from taking on second jobs to delaying major life milestones,” Kalispell Education Association President Anthony Lapke said in a statement announcing the new contract, which included an average salary increase of 4.64% for teachers across all experience levels. “This contract addresses those concerns and will help Kalispell educators stay and serve the students and families in the community that we love.”

The raises will help close a lingering salary gap between the district and its seven large AA peers across the state, bumping starting teacher pay by 13% this year and an additional 10% for the 2025-26 school year. But, according to Kalispell Public Schools Superintendent Matt Jensen, the additional cost of the increases will already result in a reduction of 35 staff positions across the district’s K-12 schools. The situation could become even more tenuous if plans to boost teacher pay statewide through what’s been dubbed the STARS Act stall out in the 2025 Legislature.

“If the STARS Act legislation doesn’t come through, we’ll have further reductions at the elementary because we’re budgeting as if we have those funds,” Jensen said.

Throughout the past year and a half, state education leaders have devoted considerable time to discussing teacher pay and its contribution to Montana’s ongoing educator shortage. The Department of Labor and Industry launched a study to inform those efforts, and while a final report is pending, initial findings this summer showed starting teachers in the state make an average of $43,000 per year — more than an oft-cited estimate from the National Education Association that put Montana dead-last in the nation but still, many lawmakers and union representatives agree, cause for action.

To that end, Gov. Greg Gianforte’s preliminary budget for the coming biennium includes an additional $100 million in state funding to help local districts increase teacher compensation. The proposal builds on an incentive program called the TEACH Act, passed in 2021 and expanded in 2023, that doubled certain state payments to districts that raise starting teacher salaries. This time around, however, legislators are exploring a more across-the-board increase that would be built directly into Montana’s education funding formula. The STARS Act, short for Student and Teacher Advancement for Results and Success, debuted during the legislative interim this year, but a bill for the upcoming session has so far not been drafted.

“What’s different about this is that for districts to receive that additional funding, it is contingent upon meeting the thresholds for starting teacher pay that are identified in the bill,” said Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, who chaired the Legislature’s Education Interim Budget Committee and is slated to lead its education appropriations subcommittee this winter. “Right now, one of the thresholds that must be met is that the starting teacher pay has to be at least 11 times the amount of the [Quality Educator] Payment, which is defined in law.”

The Quality Educator Payment, a fully state-funded component of the education funding formula tied to the number of state-certified teachers in a particular district, is currently set at $3,673. Under the most recent outline of the STARS Act, a district with a base salary of roughly $40,700 would qualify for twice the total Quality Educator Payment amount it’s set to receive. That starting teacher salary would also have to be 70% of the average teacher salary in the district from the prior school year, Bedey said.

In the coming months, lawmakers and public education advocates are likely to debate the specific provisions of the STARS Act. The Montana Federation of Public Employees, which represents the bulk of public school employees across the state, has already raised questions related to certain thresholds proposed in earlier outlines. As MFPE President Amanda Curtis explained in a recent interview, a district’s average teacher salary can fluctuate based on retirements and new hires, making a percent-of-average requirement a moving target from year to year.

“This idea that [districts] are going to be able to just kind of magically continue to meet the requirements is actually setting them up to have a bunch of money and then to not have anything next year, which is going to really, really hurt students,” Curtis said, noting that the latest version of the STARS Act she’d seen included staggered percentages over the next five years culminating in the 70% requirement. “Good bill, good intentions, just probably needs a little bit more work.”

Bedey acknowledged the concerns already raised by state union leaders, adding that they aren’t the only ones taking a critical look at the ideas underpinning the STARS Act. Some fellow lawmakers believe Montana’s education funding is more than ample as is, he said, while others have suggested waiting to consider such changes until a legally mandated decennial study of the education funding formula kicks off later next year. But for Bedey and others, including Appropriations Chair Rep. Llew Jones, the broader approach proposed through the STARS Act also helps address inflationary pressures on districts and individual teachers that have contributed to widespread school budget concerns.

“With respect to waiting until after we’ve done the decennial study,” Bedey added, “we’re talking about at least two or probably three more years before we would have substantially addressed the starting teacher pay problem. I believe this is too immediate a problem to wait any longer.”

In Kalispell, teachers and administrators have taken a leap of faith that a majority of the 2025 Legislature will agree. Without the increased funding proposed through the STARS Act, Jensen said the district will likely be looking at additional staffing reductions, and the situation is compounded by Kalispell’s ongoing struggles with funding at the local level. Over the past two decades, voters have opposed increasing a property tax levy for area high schools — in turn limiting the amount of state funding the district receives for those schools. Even if some iteration of the STARS Act passes, Lapke said, starting teachers will remain particularly vulnerable to job cuts if local funding doesn’t allow the district to maximize state contributions.

“There are people that are looking to adjust the levy mechanism to try to make it harder to pass a levy,” Lapke said, referencing potential legislation that would change the requirements for approving new local taxes. “No STARS money is going to bail anybody out if that 20% of funding that comes from levies can’t actually be levied. The STARS funding will be moot.”

Gianforte’s property tax task force has recommended adding supermajority vote requirements that make it harder for districts to pass the mill levies required to budget for more spending than a baseline specified by the state’s school funding formula.

As the session begins, teacher pay won’t be the only financial consideration for public education weighing on the general fund. Just this week, the Office of Public Instruction informed lawmakers at a hearing in Helena that recent changes to state instructional standards for math — a subject more than half of Montana’s K-12 students are struggling in — may result in an estimated $28 million in added costs for districts statewide as they work to comply. Incoming state Superintendent Susie Hedalen, the Republican elected last month to replace termed-out Superintendent Elsie Arntzen, described the many financial challenges facing public schools and vowed to work with the Legislature next year to ensure their needs are adequately funded.

“I have talked to colleagues that have issues with roofs and other major repairs such as boilers,” said Hedalen, who will take the helm of OPI after serving as the school superintendent in Townsend and vice chair of the Board of Public Education. “I know that teacher pay is something that we need to address in Montana. I look forward to working with you to make sure that we get funding to those critical areas supporting teachers and increasing student outcomes.”

Coroner's Inquest Held Monday At Valley County Courthouse

Posted (Tuesday, December 17th 2024)

A coroner’s inquest was held Monday, December 16th at the Valley County Courthouse.

The purpose of the inquest was to determine the manner and cause of death of Jonathan Ryan Hamilton. Hamilton was responsible for an incident that happened at FMDH on March 29th, 2023.
On that date, Hamilton was scheduled for a routine physical therapy appointment at FMDH. It was determined that, in an attempt to escape, Hamilton utilized his appointment to force an employee outside and into her private vehicle. Information also indicates that he had been planning his attempt for some time and he was deceptive about his need for physical therapy.

Hamilton was being held in the Valley County jail on federal charges and was facing the likelihood of significant prison time if convicted.

During the inquest, three individuals provided testimony – Dr. Walter Kemp, a forensic pathologist employed by the State of Montana; Bruce McDermott, an investigator with the Division of Criminal Investigation, and Undersheriff Chris Richter with the Valley County Sheriff’s Office. The six-person jury also viewed body cam video from the incident.

During his testimony, Investigator McDermott assured the jury that Deputy Richter responded properly and stated, “In my humble opinion, it was one of the quickest decision-making processes I’ve ever seen.”

Following testimony, the jury was excused and returned less than 30 minutes later with their finding. They determined the facts presented were accurate and the death of Hamilton was not caused by the criminal action of any other person.

Glasgow Chamber And Two Rivers Economic Growth Receive Grant Funding

Posted (Tuesday, December 17th 2024)

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 49 local event organizations will share more than $740,000 of grant funding to support destination events that will help increase tourism in Montana communities. The funding is through Commerce’s Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program.

“This grant funding not only helps increase regional, national and international tourism, but also helps promote our state’s unique attributes while generating additional revenue for our communities,” said Paul Green, Director of the Montana Department of Commerce.

Eligible grant applicants host events that promote tourism, community and Montana’s unique cultural heritage including, cultural festivals and concerts, entertainment shows and productions, educational workshops, indigenous, niche or signatory activities and historical celebrations.

The following local organizations will receive EIDE grant funding:

The Glasgow Chamber of Commerce will receive $25,000 of EIDE grant funding.

Two Rivers Economic Growth, Inc. will receive $25,000 of EIDE grant funding.

The Economic Impact and Destination Event Grant Program is a state-funded opportunity authorized by the 2023 Montana Legislature’s enactment of Senate Bill 540.

For more information about EIDE grants, visit commerce.mt.gov.


Man Charged With 2 Felonies As Result Of Incident That Occurred In September

Posted (Tuesday, December 17th 2024)

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Valley County Attorney has filed documents in State District Court charging Samuel Jonathan Berger with 2 felonies and 1 misdemeanor as the result of an incident that occurred on September 20th of 2024.

Berger appeared in court last week and pleaded not guilty to all charges.

According to court documents, Berger has been charged with a felony count of assault with a weapon, felony attempted assault with a weapon and 1 misdemeanor count of assault.

The documents allege that on September 20th of this year, Berger allegedly struck another person in the face with a beer bottle while at a Glasgow establishment. Berger also allegedly swung a beer bottle at another person in the same establishment. The misdemeanor charge alleges that Berger punched a person in the face in the same incident at the same establishment.

If convicted on the felony charges, Berger could be imprisoned for a term in state prison not to exceed 20-years on each felony count.

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Marijuana Sales Increase In Valley County

Posted (Monday, December 16th 2024)

The Montana Department of Revenue is reporting that marijuana sales in Valley County totaled $152,986 in the month of November. This compares to $151,169 in October and $149,516 in the month of September.

In November, Valley County saw $131,362 in adult use sales and $21,625 in medical marijuana sales.

The State of Montana had $26.7 million in marijuana sales in November and that compared to $27.7 million in October.

Since the implementation of marijuana sales in Montana, sales have totaled 920.3 million and taxes collected have totaled $154.4 million.

The state collects a 20% tax on adult use marijuana and a 4% tax on medical marijuana.

Valley County voters approved a 3% local tax on all marijuana sold in the county.

50% of the proceeds from the county tax stay with Valley County and 45% of the proceeds are split among the municipalities in Valley County. This includes Glasgow, Fort Peck, Nashua and Opheim and are distributed on the basis of the ratio of the population of the city or town to the total county population.

Valley County Commissioners Meet Wednesday

Posted (Monday, December 16th 2024)

The Valley County Commissioners are set to have their weekly meeting on Wednesday at 10:30am in the Commissioner's Office of the Valley County Courthouse.

$56 Million Provided To Montana Counties For Homebuyer Assistance But Not All Counties Are Taking The Money

Posted (Friday, December 13th 2024)

https://dailymontanan.com/2024/12/12/flathead-county-hesitates-to-greenlight-9-million-in-homebuyer-assistance-funding/

The 2023 legislature enacted the Montana Community Reinvestment Plan through House Bill 819 to allocate $56 million in state funding to provide homebuyer assistance to low- and middle-income residents.

More than 40 counties, including 11 of the 12 most populous, have already opted into the program, or scheduled a vote to do so.

Housing affordability in Montana has been a growing problem in recent years as the state has experienced a population boom while housing inventory has stagnated, trends that worsened with the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Zillow’s Home Values Index, the median home price in Montana has increased from $271,726 in January 2020 to a record high $452,050 last month.

The median sale price for a single family home in Valley County is $235,840.

The growing housing crisis prompted Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte to create a Housing Task Force in 2022, aimed at providing future legislatures a roadmap to begin tackling the problem.
House Bill 819, passed by the 2023 legislature with bipartisan support, created several programs designed to address housing issues across the state. One of those, the Montana Community Reinvestment Act, created a deed-restricted housing program funded with $50 million of state money that will be allocated proportionally to counties based on their GDP.

The bill requires counties to affirmatively opt in to the program and designate a Community Reinvestment Organization — a federally recognized charitable organization or certified economic or housing development organization — as a partner to oversee the program and its funding. Partner CROs are also responsible for matching the state funds with private investment, doubling the total pot of money to $112 million.

Under the homebuyer assistance program, residents who make from 60% to 140% of the area median income qualify for interest-free loans up to 30% of the total purchase price for a home. The program also caps monthly payments for the home at 30% of gross income, providing a limit to what homebuyers can purchase.

Homes purchased under the program become deed-restricted, and homeowners can only realize a 1% per year increase in value if they choose to sell their home — the difference between the 1% cap and the home’s total appreciation goes into the CRO’s revolving fund to perpetuate the program.
Across the rest of the state, at least 44 counties have signed resolutions to opt in to the program or have made verbal intentions to sign with a CRO, as of Dec. 12. Some, like Butte-Silver Bow, intend to opt in, but have yet to choose which CRO to partner with.

The Daily Montanan was unable to confirm the status of 7 counties, while at least two county commissions — Valley and Sanders — were unaware of the program and its impending deadline.

According to the Daily Montanan, Valley County would be eligible for $310,000 in funding. Other northeast Montana counties have also not opted into the program. This includes Phillips County, Daniels County, Roosevelt County and Sheridan County.

Counties have until Dec. 31 to opt in to the housing program and select a CRO to partner with.

Glasgow School Board Special Meeting

Posted (Friday, December 13th 2024)

The Glasgow School Board will have a Special Board Meeting on Monday, December 16th at 1:30pm. This meeting will be held virtually with Zoom.

Glasgow City Council Meeting

Posted (Friday, December 13th 2024)

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

Glasgow School District Voters Will Vote On Bond To Pay for School Building Improvements

Posted (Thursday, December 12th 2024)

The Glasgow School Board passed a resolution which would provide for a bond election to pay for infrastructure improvements in school district.

The resolution will provide voters an opportunity to pass a bond in the amount of $2.9 million to pay for improvements in the school district. The election would be held March 4th.

The improvements include replacing or repairing portions of the Glasgow Middle School roof and the Glasgow High School roof and related improvements. Also, replacing the boiler plant at Glasgow Middle School, refinancing a loan that paid costs of a new boiler at Glasgow High School, upgrading and or retrofitting HVAC controls at Glasgow Middle School and Glasgow High School, decommissioning obsolete boilers at Glasgow Middle School and Glasgow High School and repairing a boiler at Irle Elementary School.

The total cost of the bond would be $2.9 million and if passed by school district voters, the work on the infrastructure projects could begin in 2025.

The election would be a mail ballot election, and the Valley County Election Administrator would conduct the election. Ballots would be mailed to school district voters on February 13th.

Ostermiller Sentenced In District Court

Posted (Wednesday, December 11th 2024)

Cameron John Ostermiller, a former contractor in Valley County, was sentenced to 10 years with the Montana Department of Corrections, with all time suspended, during a sentencing hearing November 18th.

Ostermiller was sentenced on the charge of Theft of Property by Embezzlement. The court ordered him to pay restitution in excess of $39,000 to the victims and make minimum monthly payments towards that obligation.

As a condition of the sentence, he was ordered to serve 60 days in jail within one year, in no less than 72-hour increments. There are also provisions whereby, should he relapse in his drug or alcohol use, can be placed in DOC treatment facilities at the discretion of his supervising officer.

The plea agreement and guilty plea are the result of several incidents when he accepted construction projects in Valley County and never completed the work, despite being paid for the completion of the projects.

The investigation started in 2022 when complaints were made to the Valley County Sheriff's Office about work not being completed despite Ostermiller being paid in advance for materials. There were 8 different incidents listed in the court documents totaling $39,128.80.

A plea agreement was reached in August of 2024.


Montana, 8 other states, poised to end coverage for millions if Trump cuts Medicaid funding

Posted (Wednesday, December 11th 2024)

With Donald Trump’s return to the White House and Republicans taking full control of Congress in 2025, the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion is back on the chopping block.

More than 3 million adults in nine states would be at immediate risk of losing their health coverage should the GOP reduce the extra federal Medicaid funding that’s enabled states to widen eligibility, according to KFF, a health information nonprofit that includes KFF Health News, and the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families. That’s because the states have trigger laws that would swiftly end their Medicaid expansions if federal funding falls.

The states are Arizona, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Montana, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Utah, and Virginia.

The 2010 Affordable Care Act encouraged states to expand Medicaid programs to cover more low-income Americans who didn’t get health insurance through their jobs. Forty states and the District of Columbia agreed, extending health insurance since 2014 to an estimated 21 million people and helping drive the U.S. uninsured rate to record lows.

In exchange, the federal government pays 90% of the cost to cover the expanded population. That’s far higher than the federal match for other Medicaid beneficiaries, which averages about 57% nationwide.

Conservative policy groups, which generally have opposed the ACA, say the program costs too much and covers too many people. Democrats say the Medicaid expansion has saved lives and helped communities by widening coverage to people who could not afford private insurance.

If Congress cuts federal funding, Medicaid expansion would be at risk in all states that have opted into it — even those without trigger laws — because state legislatures would be forced to make up the difference, said Renuka Tipirneni, an associate professor at the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health.

Decisions to keep or roll back the expansion “would depend on the politics at the state level,” Tipirneni said.

For instance, Michigan approved a trigger as part of its Medicaid expansion in 2013, when it was controlled by a Republican governor and legislature. Last year, with the government controlled by Democrats, the state eliminated its funding trigger.

Six of the nine states with trigger laws — Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, Montana, North Carolina, and Utah — went for Trump in the 2024 election.

Most of the nine states’ triggers kick in if federal funding falls below the 90% threshold. Arizona’s trigger would eliminate its expansion if funding falls below 80%.

Montana’s law rolls back expansion below 90% funding but allows it to continue if lawmakers identify additional funding. Under state law, Montana lawmakers must reauthorize its Medicaid expansion in 2025 or the expansion will end.

Across the states with triggers, between 3.1 million and 3.7 million people would swiftly lose their coverage, researchers at KFF and the Georgetown center estimate. The difference depends on how states treat people who were added to Medicaid before the ACA expansion; they may continue to qualify even if the expansion ends.

Three other states — Iowa, Idaho, and New Mexico— have laws that require their governments to mitigate the financial impact of losing federal Medicaid expansion funding but would not automatically end expansions. With those three states included, about 4.3 million Medicaid expansion enrollees would be at risk of losing coverage, according to KFF.

The ACA allowed Medicaid expansions to adults with incomes up to 138% of the federal poverty level, or about $20,783 for an individual in 2024.

Nearly a quarter of the 81 million people enrolled in Medicaid nationally are in the program due to expansions.

“With a reduction in the expansion match rate, it is likely that all states would need to evaluate whether to continue expansion coverage because it would require a significant increase in state spending,” said Robin Rudowitz, vice president and director of the Program on Medicaid and the Uninsured at KFF. “If states drop coverage, it is likely that there would be an increase in the number of uninsured, and that would limit access to care across red and blue states that have adopted expansion.”

States rarely cut eligibility for social programs such as Medicaid once it’s been granted.

The triggers make it politically easier for state lawmakers to end Medicaid expansion because they would not have to take any new action to cut coverage, said Edwin Park, a research professor at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families.

To see the impact of trigger laws, consider what happened after the Supreme Court in 2022 struck down Roe v. Wade and, with it, the constitutional right to an abortion. Conservative lawmakers in 13 states had crafted trigger laws that would automatically implement bans in the event a national right to abortion were struck down. Those state laws resulted in restrictions taking effect immediately after the court ruling, or shortly thereafter.

States adopted triggers as part of Medicaid expansion to win over lawmakers skeptical of putting state dollars on the hook for a federal program unpopular with most Republicans.

It’s unclear what Trump and congressional Republicans will do with Medicaid after he takes office in January, but one indicator could be a recent recommendation from the Paragon Health Institute, a leading conservative policy organization led by former Trump health adviser Brian Blase.

Paragon has proposed that starting in 2026 the federal government would phase down the 90% federal match for expansion until 2034, when it would reach parity with each state’s federal match for its traditional enrollees. Under that plan, states could still get ACA Medicaid expansion funding but restrict coverage to enrollees with incomes up to the federal poverty level. Currently, to receive expansion funding, states must offer coverage to everyone up to 138% of the poverty level.

Daniel Derksen, director of the Center for Rural Health at the University of Arizona, said it’s unlikely Arizona would move to eliminate its trigger and make up for lost federal funds. “It would be a tough sell right now as it would put a big strain on the budget,” he said.

Medicaid has been in the crosshairs of Republicans in Washington before. Republican congressional leaders in 2017 proposed legislation to cut federal expansion funding, a move that would have shifted billions in costs to states. That plan, part of a strategy to repeal Obamacare, ultimately failed.

Results In From Fish, Wildlife And Parks Havre Check Station

Posted (Wednesday, December 11th 2024)

The final results are in from the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks Havre check station for the 2024 hunting season. The check station was open for eight weekends from Oct. 12 (the opener of general antelope and pheasant) through Dec. 1 (the end of the deer/elk general season). Overall, hunter numbers were down from recent years, big game numbers were below average, and upland bird harvest was mixed.

Biologists gather a lot of valuable information and biological data on game animals brought through check stations. FWP appreciates all hunters’ cooperation in this effort. Note that the harvest data described below includes only animals that were brought through the Havre check station and represents a real-time partial representation of the region-wide harvest. FWP subsequently conducts a telephone survey throughout the winter to estimate hunting and harvest levels throughout the region and across the state.

Hunter numbers that stopped at the check station (1,657) were down 18% from 2023, and 7% below the long-term average.

“Hunter numbers at the check station were the lowest we have seen since 2015,” noted Havre-area biologist Scott Hemmer, who manages the station.

Mule deer brought by the check station totaled 370 for the year, which was down 31% from last year and 32% below the long-term average, and the lowest seen since 2015. Mule deer doe harvest was down the most at 59% below the average, while buck harvest was 21% below average. Reduced mule deer doe harvest was expected this year with fewer antlerless mule deer licenses issued and restrictions on antlerless mule deer harvest on public land.

For the year, 118 white-tailed deer were brought by the station, which was 21% lower than 2023, and 23% below the long-term average.

"Hunter reports were variable throughout the region, but most indicated lower numbers of deer this year,” said Hemmer. “Some hunters reported seeing decent numbers of antlerless deer and young bucks, but fewer older bucks.”

The number of antelope checked, whose general season ended on Nov. 10, saw slightly lower numbers than 2023, and 39% below the long-term average. 150 antelope were brought by the check station this year.

“Most antelope hunters reported improved numbers of antelope seen compared to recent years,” said Hemmer. “Although the number of antelope checked was still low, hunter success was still fair.”

For the year, 19 elk were recorded, which is 24% below last year and 51% below the long-term average. A reduction in elk harvest, particularly from Missouri Breaks hunting districts, was expected due to fewer antlerless elk licenses issued for those districts in response to below objective elk populations.

For the eight weeks that the check station was open, the pheasant harvest of 719 birds was about the same as last year, and near the long-term average. Sharp-tailed grouse (122 birds) harvest was 25% below last year’s total, but only 4% below the long-term average. Gray (Hungarian) partridge harvest (100) was below last year’s banner year, but still well above the long-term average.

“Reports from the western half of the region generally indicated considerably better upland bird numbers than the past several years,” noted Hemmer. “Reports from the eastern half of the region indicated that although bird numbers were still fair, they were down from the last couple years when numbers were better than average.”

Duck harvest (65) was down slightly from last year and slightly above the long-term average.

FWP Region 6 thanks all hunters for stopping by the check station.

“Overall, it appeared a lot of hunters were able to make it out into the field this fall,” said Hemmer. “We sure appreciate and enjoy visiting with the hunters that come by the check station, and it’s great to hear stories about a successful hunt.

Valley Community Emergency Food Bank Receives Donation For Building Fund

Posted (Wednesday, December 11th 2024)

Press Release from Valley Community Emergency Food Bank:

We have exciting news! A generous donor has agreed to match up to $5000 to seed our new building fund. Please help out if you can through the end of the year, as we rely solely on donations. Remember all donations to the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank are tax deductible. Thank you for the support!

Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 63 Glasgow, MT 59230

Senator Tester Gives Farewell Speech On Floor Of U.S. Senate

Posted (Tuesday, December 10th 2024)

Montana’s senior — for another four weeks — U.S. Sen. Jon Tester told members of Congress on Monday that if he cried during his farewell speech it wasn’t due to an emotional reaction from finishing a nearly two-decade long stint in Congress. Instead, he would attribute any shed tears to being convinced by two of his staff members to play basketball over the weekend and the 68-year-old lawmaker from Big Sandy was sore.

It’s a tradition for outgoing Senators to address their fellow lawmakers before the end of their terms. Last week, Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich, and Sen. Joe Manchin, I-W.V., among others, marked the conclusion of their elected service.

Tester gave his farewell address on Monday afternoon, a few weeks after he lost his re-election bid to Republican Tim Sheehy.

“Look, I’ve seen a number of these exit speeches, and to be honest with you, they remind me a bit of an obituary,” Tester told his peers. “This is the end of this moment in time, this last 18 years that I’ve spent in the United States Senate. The truth is, there’s been other periods of time very similar to that throughout my life. When I went to high school — grade school, high school and college — for example, was about an 18-year period. When that time period was over with, we moved on. My wife, Sharla, and I cut meat for almost exactly eighteen years on the farm, a custom butcher shop. When we shut that down, when I got in the state legislature, that period of time in our lives was over. And now, my time in the Senate is over.”

In his final address, Tester took time to highlight accomplishments he made while in Congress, including on veterans’ health care, infrastructure, and conservation.

Tester was first elected to Congress in 2006 and while he is widely known for his work in the Senate as a moderate statesman, his career in public service dates back decades in the Treasure State.

As a high school senior he was elected student body president, and he spent time serving on multiple elected boards, including the Big Sandy Soil Conservation Board, the county Farm Service Agency, and the local school board, “The hardest public service job I ever had,” Tester said.

“And then the Montana State Legislature, which was the funnest job I ever had. If not for term limits, I’d probably still endeavor to be a state legislator,” said Tester, who served in the Montana Senate from 1999-2007 and was Senate President his last two years. “ All these commitments taught me, most importantly, that you have two ears and you have one mouth. Act accordingly. You never are right all the time, and you’re never wrong all the time.”

Tester said that when he first entered Congress, he expected to serve just two terms at most. But, he said he realized in short order that as a seniority-driven governing body, the longer a senator serves, the more they can get done.

In his final term, Tester was the ranking member and chair of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee and Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee. He used the former position to champion several bills addressing veterans’ mental health and toxic exposure.

But when reflecting on his greatest accomplishments of the last 18, Tester pointed to maintaining his connection with his home state.

“I see my greatest accomplishments as being a United States Senator, as a citizen legislator, having a real full-time job outside this body, in my case as a farmer. This is what our forefathers had in mind,” Tester said. “Trips home every weekend — not only preparing the seed bed and seeding until sometimes three in the morning, or haying, plowing down peas, getting the equipment ready — but also traveling the state, having meetings with my constituents. Doing my job as a senator. I loved every minute of it. Most days.”

Tester thanked the members of his staff, as well as all the unnamed essential workers in the U.S. Capitol that help keep the government functioning, from the bill clerks to the police officers to the Capitol’s woodcrafters.

He also paid homage to his family members, including his wife Sharla and their children, and his ancestors who homesteaded in north central Montana, his parents and older brothers, all whom he credited with instilling his “Montana values.”

“Like telling the truth, like the word is your bond, like your handshake means something, and that you respect people, and absolutely never, never sass your elders,” Tester said. “But most importantly, they taught me that hard work creates luck, and hard work is essential for success.”

In his final remarks Tester urged his colleagues to continue working towards affordable healthcare, promoting family farm agriculture, remaining a strong military deterrent and bolstering public education, the “foundation for our democracy and our economy.”

He called on Congress to “stop these damn carve outs of our tax code,” deal with income disparity, and to work on campaign finance reform.

“I’ve just been through this meat grinder,” Tester said. “Because of our campaign finance system in this country today, we have more division than ever. We are more paralyzed as a body to do policy than we ever had before. Campaign finance reform would be good for democracy. And let me tell you something: It has to be solved with bipartisan solutions.”

Tester ended his speech by saying democracy has resulted in America becoming the greatest country that’s ever existed, but he expressed his concerns about the nation’s future.

“To say that I’m worried about this country’s ability to maintain the strongest economy and the most powerful military in the world would be an understatement. However, I know that a majority of people that serve in this U.S. Senate today are real legislators who want to do real legislating. To those senators, you need to make sure your voices are a majority of this body. If not, this country will change in a way that our children will not thank us for.”

“God bless you all, and tally ho!” Tester concluded.

New members of Congress elected last month, including Sen.-elect Tim Sheehy, R-Mont, will be sworn in on Jan. 3.

Glasgow Kiwanis Club Ringing The Bell This Holiday Season

Posted (Monday, December 9th 2024)

Again this year the Glasgow Kiwanis Club will be raising funds by ringing the bell. We are looking for volunteers to help us raise funds to be used for service projects and support of organizations such as the Glasgow Kiwanis Swim Team, the pool project, Valley County 4-H Clubs, Scouts, Bring Up Grades, Snack Pack, Key Club, Builders Club, the Easter Egg Hunt, Milk River Activity Center, helping the Chamber sponsor the Bag Pipe Band for homecoming, singing carols at Prairie Ridge, Nemont Manor, and the Valley View Nursing home as well as many other projects.

For those wanting a tax receipt, you may make checks out to “Kiwanis Foundation of Montana” and put them in the kettle or mail them to Kiwanis, PO Box 174, Glasgow, MT 59230 and include your name and address along with the request for a tax receipt that will be mailed to you. Those wishing to volunteer some time in helping to ring the bell can contact Rocky Zimdars at (406) 263-8352 or email him at rockingrz@gmail.com.

Glasgow School Board To Meet This Week

Posted (Monday, December 9th 2024)

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