HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that the 2025 recipients of the Opportunities in Rural Economies planning grant have been selected and will share almost $500,000 in funding.

“The ORE Program plays a vital role in creating good-paying jobs, stimulating economic growth, helping businesses grow and building a solid economic foundation for future generations of Montanans,” said Marta Bertoglio, director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “By using these grants to complete projects they would otherwise have to wait years to fund, these businesses and nonprofits move Montana forward.”

The following recipients and projects were chosen to receive ORE funding:

• Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Butte) will receive $30,000 to develop a comprehensive development plan for a targeted economic renewal district and urban renewal district in Dillon.

• Blend 10 Properties, LLC (Glasgow) will receive $10,000 to develop a preliminary engineering report.

• Carter County Chamber of Commerce (Ekalaka) will receive $30,000 for a boundary retraction survey.

• Durham SA and Property Management, LLC (Polson) will receive $1,440 for an energy audit.

• Gallatin Development Corporation, Inc. dba Prospera (Bozeman) will receive $30,000 to develop a center feasibility study in Manhattan.

• Great Falls Development Authority, Inc. (Great Falls) will receive $30,000 for a defense industry market assessment.

• Judith River Foundation (Malta) will receive $30,000 for a preliminary architectural report.

• Hamilton Community Cinema (Hamilton) will receive $10,250 for an architectural review assessment.

• Headwaters Resource Conservation and Development Area, Inc. (Butte) will receive $25,000 to prepare plans and documents for implementation of a phase one wayfinding plan.

• Lake County Community Development Corporation, dba Mission West Community Development Partners (Ronan) will receive $20,000 to assist Missoula Electric Cooperative in a feasibility study of an energy efficiency program.

• Missoula Economic Partnership (Missoula) will receive $30,000 for a site energy feasibility and redevelopment study.

• Millennium Hospitality, LLC (Circle) will receive $1,990 for an energy audit and plan.

• The Montana Cooperative Development Center (Great Falls) will receive $30,000 to facilitate a pilot program study.

• Northern Rocky Mountain Economic Development District (Bozeman) will receive $30,000 to develop a housing fund feasibility study.

• PatientOne, Inc. (Missoula) will receive $30,000 for a feasibility study.

• Plenty Doors Community Development Corporation (Crow Agency) will receive $30,000 for a workforce development feasibility study.

• Southeastern Montana Development Corporation (Colstrip) will receive $30,000 to assist OCOChem, Inc. in a site feasibility study.

• Spika Design & Manufacturing, Inc. (Lewistown) will receive $30,000 for architectural and engineering plans for facility expansion.

• Table 10 Restaurant, LLC (Polson) will receive $1,993 for an energy audit.

• Museum, Inc. dba The Heritage Museum (Libby) will receive $7,778 for a feasibility study to operate a locomotive exhibit.

• The McCallie School (Twin Bridges) will receive $30,000 for engineering plans for property site development.

• Virginia City Schoolhouse Foundation, Inc. (Virginia City) will receive $30,000 for a preliminary architectural report and feasibility study for the Virginia City Schoolhouse.

Commerce’s ORE Grant Program provides matching funds to assist with projects that would provide a significant economic benefit to a community. For more information, visit commerce.mt.gov.

Severe thunderstorm threats linger through the weekend, with the greatest threat this afternoon and early evening. Areas east of MT 13 are under the greatest risk. Severe storms today may produce strong, damaging winds and hail, as well as brief periods of heavy rainfall.

Sidney, Glendive, and Wibaux are under enhanced risk today. Expect storms after 2 pm, lasting into the evening. Additional storms are expected on Saturday with widespread showers and isolated thunderstorms expected Saturday night and Sunday.

The 16th Annual Big Sky State Games National Anthem Contest winner is Sommer Green of Whitewater, MT. Green will sing the National Anthem at the 40th Anniversary Big Sky State Games Opening Ceremonies on Friday, July 18th at the Lockwood High School Stadium.

Singing has always been a part of Green’s life, whether singing along to the radio or creating her own tune to sing to her pets. She has been singing the National Anthem for many public events since the seventh grade. Green will be a junior next year at Whitewater High Schoo,l where she is involved in band and choir. Along with singing, she plays the trumpet and is looking forward to learning the piano.
Green enjoys hanging out with family and friends, painting, and traveling with her family. In November 2024, she was the winner of the Voice of Democracy Contest, that is sponsored by the VFW.

Opening Ceremonies Athlete Fun Zone opens at 5 p.m. and the Parade of Athletes begins at 7 p.m. at Lockwood High School Stadium.

During the fall of 2024, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks wardens requested help from the public in poaching cases involving headless deer and elk on private property in Blaine and Phillips Counties.
After an extensive investigation, Marvin Cole, 29, of Lodgepole had charges filed in Blaine and Phillips Counties alleging his role in the unlawful killing, possession, waste, and sale of deer and elk antlers. The antlers were removed from two whitetail deer and one bull elk. The elk and one whitetail deer were killed on private land in south Blaine County, and the second headless whitetail was discovered on private land in Phillips County.

Cole has been charged with one felony and nine misdemeanor violations between the two counties, including: unlawful possession of a bull elk, unlawful possession of two whitetail bucks, waste of game animals, failure to obtain landowner permission for hunting, hunting without a valid license, and unlawful sale of a game animal.

“This investigation involved several scenes spread over multiple jurisdictions. This case really showcased our wardens’ investigative skills and the importance of community relationships and partnerships,” said warden investigator Dirk Paulsen.

FWP wardens and investigators would like to thank the public for helping provide crucial information in this case, and thank the Fort Belknap Police Department, U.S. Probation-Glasgow, Havre Police Department, Wyoming Wildlife Forensic Laboratory, Cascade County Sheriff’s office, the Blaine and Phillip’s County attorneys, and the property owners for their assistance in this investigation.
Anyone with information about crimes involving fish, wildlife or park regulations is encouraged to visit www.tipmon.mt.gov to provide details or to get in touch with their local warden. Those who report information may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks’ Region 6 Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) will meet from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, at the FWP Region 6 headquarters conference room in Glasgow. The public is welcome to attend.

In the morning, FWP Helena staff will share new legislative changes that involve FWP, and answer any questions on these or other related topics. In addition, there will be a discussion on public access and recreation on DNRC lands, regional updates, and a CAC roundtable.

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

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

--FWP seeking applicants for northeast Montana Citizens Advisory Council--

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking applicants to fill volunteer positions on the Region 6 Citizen Advisory Council (CAC) in northeast Montana. Specifically, FWP is looking for a new member from the western side of the Region (Blaine or Hill County), but any applications are welcome and could be used in future recruitment efforts.

The CAC is a general advisory council that provides input, guidance, and feedback to FWP on a variety of issues—from wildlife and fisheries management, to access, state parks, outdoor recreation, and law enforcement. CACs do not possess decision-making authority, but rather serve in an advisory capacity to FWP and are comprised of diverse, engaged citizens who help FWP by serving two central functions:
• providing information, ideas, and identification of emerging trends in a welcoming forum of diverse interests.
• providing a means to better inform CAC members, who in turn are ambassadors to their communities.

This exchange of information, ideas, and opinions should identify opportunities, potential conflicts, management choices, and tradeoffs involving public trust resources.

“We look at the CAC as being a two-way street for providing and receiving information from the public,” said Drew Henry, Region 6 Supervisor. “We provide members with up-to-date information about the work FWP is doing, and we in turn rely on members to take that information back to their neighbors and acquaintances. In addition, we want feedback on what CAC members are hearing from their neck of the woods for us to do a better job managing resources for the public.”

Applicants must live in FWP Region 6, which includes the counties of Hill, Blaine, Phillips, Valley, Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt, and portions of McCone, Richland, Dawson, and Choteau Counties. The council is designed to have a membership that represents a variety of northeast Montana communities and natural resource interests. FWP welcomes applications from hunters, anglers, landowners, nongame advocates, trappers, outfitters and guides, state parks and tourism advocates, campers and other outdoor recreationists, and anyone with an interest in natural resource issues.
The panel of fourteen volunteers typically has three-to-four weekday meetings a year (both in-person or online as appropriate) and are held around the region. Members should make a commitment to attend meetings, offer thoughts and ideas, communicate with others in a respectful manner, and share information about the work of the CAC within their communities. Terms are two years and may be extended. Meals and travel expenses are provided.

Applicants will be asked to provide an overview of their interests and involvement in natural resource issues and write a few sentences on why they are interested in serving on the CAC.

To apply, email Marc Kloker at mkloker@mt.gov, or go to the FWP website and find the fillable PDF application here: https://fwp.mt.gov/.../region-6-citizen-advisory-council.
Completed applications must be received or mailed by Friday, June 20, 2025. FWP personnel will then review applications and select the new member(s). FWP will retain applications for those not selected for possible future openings.

Hunting regulations often are the subject of debate, curiosity or even consternation with hunters around Montana. Hunters who want to see changes in regulations or have ideas to improve the regulations will have a great opportunity to make a difference in the coming weeks.

On odd years, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks does a complete run through of hunting regulations to consider both large and small changes. This process is called “season setting” and starts off with scoping meetings around the state to gather ideas from hunters and to answer questions about suggested changes that FWP staff are considering. These scoping meetings will be held in June and July.

The Region 6 meetings are as follows (all meetings are from 6-8 p.m.):
• June 17: Malta – High School Cafeteria
• June 18: Havre – Hensler Auditorium on the MSU Northern Campus
• June 24: Plentywood – Library Jubilee Room
• June 26: Glasgow – Regional office

FWP staff will look to hunters to provide broad input on regulation changes they’d like to see. Staff will also look for feedback on a few specific proposals.

These scoping meetings are not the same as public comment meetings. FWP staff will listen at the scoping meetings and capture the general themes. Staff will use this information to develop draft regulations, which will be released for public comment as proposals for the Fish and Wildlife Commission in October. FWP will hold additional public meetings in early November to answer questions about the draft regulation proposals. Comment on the draft regulation proposals will be collected through the FWP website during the fall public commenting period. The final decision on regulations will come at the December Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting.

We know hunting regulation changes are important for hunters, and we need your input early in the process to make sure any changes are made with careful consideration of what hunters think and what they want.

Despite recent comments by President Donald Trump indicating a pause on immigration raids at farms and other labor-intensive worksites, federal agents were instructed this week to continue enforcement operations at agricultural businesses, hotels, and restaurants. ICE raids last week hit California farms and a meat processor in Nebraska, arresting at least 70 workers.

While the White House had told ICE to avoid ag and hospitality raids, Homeland Security later reaffirmed enforcement, with officials stating there would be “no safe spaces” for those undermining ICE efforts.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins reportedly played a role in urging restraint, and ag groups welcomed Trump’s earlier remarks. The American Farm Bureau and the National Council of Agricultural Employers both praised the President’s recognition of the sector’s labor needs.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall said, “Farmers cannot care for crops and animals without the contributions of dedicated employees.” He emphasized that current programs like H-2A are broken, urging Congress to fix the “farm labor crisis” or risk leaving produce unharvested and food prices rising.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labor announced a June 25 webinar to guide producers on ag labor law compliance, including H-2A and migrant worker protections.

Still, groups like United Farm Workers remain skeptical, noting that enforcement in farmworker communities continued despite the President’s comments. The White House maintains that “anyone present in the U.S. illegally is at risk of deportation.”

Story credit: https://www.northernplainsindependent.com/

The Wolf Point School Board decided to accept a bid of $1.495 million for a post-tensioned track by Tarkett Sports on Wednesday, June 4.

The motion, which ended up being unanimously approved, was made by trustee Michael Holen and seconded by trustee Liara Braaten.

After the motion was made, trustee Keith Higgins asked, “Can we afford it?” Holen added, “Yes, that’s the big question.”

Wolf Point Superintendent Dr. David Perkins then provided background of the track project. At an earlier meeting, Perkins recommended going with the less expensive scrape and resurface process for a track renovation. The bid for that project was $412,460. Perkins said he made that recommendation because of finances. He added that some other schools have been backing away from big projects because of federal funding uncertainty.

Perkins said he was concerned about Wolf Point’s Impact Aid fund getting too low. Impact Aid that would be used for the track project would largely come from the high school district, so it shouldn’t hinder the school district’s path of possibly building a new elementary school in the future.

The idea of doing only the scrape and resurface process suffered a hit when Jerod Petrino of Tarkett Sports examined the track in late May and determined that approach would improve the track for just a couple of years because of its poor condition. Perkins said $400,000

to $500,000 is a lot of money to spend on something that would last that short amount of time.

Perkins said the post-tensioned track is the best path in the long run.

“If you don’t, you have a practice track,” he said. The project will include a new pole vault pit and two new jump pits.

Higgins asked trustees if they want to have a track facility that doesn’t have meets. He said trustees are trying to make Wolf Point a better place to live.

Activities director Eric Peterson said participation for track this spring was 32 students at the high school and 47 at the junior high schools.

Board chair Roxanne Gourneau said, “If you don’t build today, you can’t afford it tomorrow.”

Gourneau said she will support the $1.495 million project on the condition that efforts are made to increase participation in sports. She recommended forming a sub-committee. She said she is willing to go door-to-door to encourage students if needed.

“Nobody is asking anybody to be first. We’re just asking them to be part of the team,” Gourneau said.

School officials said efforts to increase participation have included adding junior high golf and junior high tennis.

All high school and junior high coaches are encouraged to attend the Montana Coaches Association’s clinics held in late July each year to further their knowledge.

As Congress considers cuts to safety net programs in what Republicans are calling the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimates 16 million Americans, including 44,000 Montanans, would lose Medicaid health insurance.

Josh Bivens, chief economist at the nonpartisan think tank the Economic Policy Institute, said if the bill passes as-is, health providers would see a steep increase in what's known as uncompensated care, when people without coverage get sick but cannot afford to pay their medical bills.

"It means hospitals and doctors no longer receive that income stream from Medicaid payments," Bivens explained. "Lots of them are going to be forced out of business and there's going to be closures of hospitals, especially in rural counties."

Republicans have cast doubt on the CBO projections and claim cutting $715 billion from Medicaid, by eliminating fraud and adding work requirements for adults, would not reduce coverage. The GOP bill aims to fund Trump administration priorities, including more immigration raids and border wall construction and extending tax cuts passed in 2017.

Bivens pointed out if the bill becomes law, it would result in what he describes as the direct transfer of income from vulnerable families to the richest Americans. He notes the average cuts to Medicaid, which would kick in after the 2026 midterm elections, would be more than $70 billion a year.

"If you look at the tax cuts that will be received by just people making over $1 million per year, those are $70 billion as well," Bivens emphasized. "We're going to take $70 billion away from poor families on Medicaid, and we're going to give it to families who are making more than $1 million per year."

Six Nobel laureate economists have signed an open letter opposing cuts to safety net programs in the budget reconciliation bill, and warning the measure would add $5 trillion to the national debt.

"I think the fact that six Nobel Prize winners said, 'This is important enough for me to try to draw attention to the implications of this bill,' should make people realize the stakes are really large," Bivens added.

The Glasgow City Council met in regular session on June 16th.

Action items taken by the City Council:

Awarded the bid for Glasgow's gas and diesel to Ezzie's Wholesale.

Approved spending $77,303.00 to purchase a camera and security system for the Glasgow Civic Center and the new swimming pool.

Approved increasing the Animal Contract monthly amount from $575 to $625 per month effective July 1st.

Tabled a decision on the amount paid per employee for MMIA health insurance coverage.

Agreed to continue the Police Hiring Incentive for another year effective June 18th, 2025 to June 18, 2026.

Approved a renewal of Pioneer Community Development's grant Writing Contract from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026 with an annual increase of $5000.

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

Fort Peck Fine Arts Council announces that this will be the final season for Andy Meyers, Artistic Director at Fort Peck Summer Theatre. This is his 15th season, having joined the company in 2011.

During Andy’s tenure, FPST produced 71 mainstage productions, Off-Season Readings [often teaming up Pam L. Veis and Meyers], 10 Seasons of Theatre for Young Audience tours, and a handful of special events, including DAM Cabarets, The 50th Anniversary Encore of Oklahoma, Charlie Brown Christmas, A Christmas Carol Radio Play and The Living Nativity, plus the Annual Performing Arts Camp.

Andy has cast 396 local or professional actors & musicians (many appearing in multiple seasons). 91 Designers and Stage Managers have worked on FPST productions, and 52 Directors, Musical Directors and/or Choreographers. Andy’s favorite FPST credits include Paul in Misery, Horton in Seussical, Boolie in Driving Miss Daisy, Sam in Million Dollar Quartet, Caleb in The Spitfire Grill, Scuttle in The Little Mermaid and the title roles in You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown, Shrek, One Man Two Guvnors and The Music Man and directing and/or choreographing The Buddy Holly Story, Souvenir, Dames at Sea, Bonnie & Clyde, Woman in Black, Bridges of Madison County, Wait Until Dark and Hairspray, among many others.

He is a proud recipient of The Jake Etchart Memorial Theatre Scholarship. This season Andy appears as Robert in The Play That Goes Wrong and Lonny in Rock of Ages, while directing/choreographing Annie and writing the season closer, Dracula. Fort Peck Fine Arts Council will be conducting a search for a new Artistic Director, with details to come shortly.

A Wolf Point man accused of stabbing another individual on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges last week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Andy Kane Follet, 20, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon. Follet faces 10 years of imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, and 3 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for October 22, 2025. Follet was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that on January 27, 2024, the defendant, Andy Kane Follet, and several friends, including co-defendants and the victim, John Doe, were in a yard in Wolf Point, Montana, playing a game of “slap-boxing.” The fighting escalated and the group broke up – Follet and his co-defendants returned to the Follet home. Shortly after they returned to the home, Doe approached the house demanding to get his phone back. Follet and his co-defendants exited the home and confronted Doe in the driveway.

Several people witnessed the assault. One witness described seeing Follet and co-defendants hitting John Doe. The witness described seeing one person hit Doe with a bat, then the other two started hitting Doe as well, with one of them using a hammer. Another witness went outside after hearing a commotion. He saw Follet and his co-defendants approaching Doe while he backed away. The witness described the three then “jumping” Doe.

One co-defendant hit Doe repeatedly in the head with a hammer. As Doe was trying to get up Follet stabbed Doe in the chest. In an interview with law enforcement, Follet said he thought Doe was wearing enough layers of clothes that he could not be injured by the knife. He also said Doe had cut him with a knife and that if didn’t do anything (after he was stabbed), his whole family would make fun of him. None of the independent witnesses reported Doe having a knife. The only knife found at the scene around Doe’s body was located in Doe’s pocket. A large knife with apparent blood was later located hidden in a hole in a wall of Follet’s home.

Doe died at the scene before law enforcement could arrive. According to an autopsy, Doe died from blunt and sharp force injuries to the head and chest. The stab wound to the chest consisted of a 6-inch penetration that perforated Doe’s sternum, heart, and esophagus.

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

A Wolf Point man accused of distributing methamphetamine to a minor admitted to charges last week, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Brickie Cole Jackson, 36, pleaded guilty to distribution of methamphetamine to a person under 21 years of age. Jackson faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 1 year, a maximum term of 40 years, a $2,000,000 fine, and at least 6 years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for October 30, 2025. Jackson was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents that in November 2023, law enforcement responded to Wolf Point High School after a student, Jane Doe, admitted drug use and tested positive. Doe, a 16-year-old female, disclosed she had gone to Jackson’s house, and he provided her with methamphetamine. Doe said she had gone to the house multiple times over multiple days and Jackson provided her with methamphetamine on several occasions in November.

In January 2024, Doe again admitted to hanging out with Jackson at his house over multiple days. He again provided Doe with methamphetamine.

Jackson was interviewed. He admitted providing Doe with methamphetamine but said he believed she was 18 years old. Jackson said Doe stayed with him on two occasions, and he gave her about a gram of meth each time she stayed at his house.

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

The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance invites you to the North Phillips County Ranch Tour; however, the tour has been delayed until July 1st.

Participants will tour the Hammond Ranch & Murdock Ranch, where they’ll get a firsthand look at how these ranches manage grazing systems, water, & challenging topographies alongside discussions of incorporating farming & ranching in one operation.

The tour also includes a visit to a local fossil site. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn, network, & connect with others passionate about working lands. A suggested donation of $40 is appreciated to help cover event costs.

To register & for more details, visit www.RanchStewards.org/events.

The Siding 45 Skatepark Grand Opening is set for Saturday at Hoyt Park in Glasgow!

On Saturday, June 7th, the FMDH Foundation teed off its 26th Annual Golf Tournament at Sunnyside Country Club—and what a day it was! With 84 golfers forming 21 teams, the course was full of friendly competition and plenty of laughs. Despite the windy and smoky conditions, everyone powered through with great spirits, making it a memorable day for all.

A big shoutout to Independence Bank, our Premier Sponsor, for helping make the day such a success. Players were treated to meals from Toodie’s Café throughout the tournament, capped off with a BBQ pulled pork dinner courtesy of Cornwell Ranch.

As for the winners—congrats to Busted Knuckle Taproom (Dylan & Jami Hughes and Spencer & Shannon Marsh) for taking home first place! Rounding out the top five were Plentywood Hardware in second, Dale’s Plumbing in third, Opportunity Bank in fourth, and CM Par-Tee Animals in fifth.

The day also included a 50/50 raffle that raised $560. Lucky winner Jake Kirkland went home with $280, and plenty of hole prizes kept the fun going on all 18 holes.

Thanks to the incredible support from our local businesses, team sponsors, and generous donors, the tournament raised an amazing $20,000! These funds help the Foundation continue our mission of improving local healthcare by providing essential medical equipment and scholarships to future medical professionals.

So far in 2025, the Foundation has gifted an exam table to FMDH’s Glasgow Clinic Primary Care for use at Valley View Home, dumbbells for SAIL fitness classes through our Community Integrated Health Program and contributed toward a new Zoll Cardiac Monitor for NEMT STAT Air. Altogether, we’re set to give $85,000 in medical equipment and $35,000 in scholarships this year.

Want to learn more about our scholarship recipients or the equipment we’re funding? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @fmdhfoundation.

Healthcare facilities interested in applying for funding—or anyone curious about our work or getting involved with the Foundation Board—can contact us at (406) 228-3556 or email taylor.hohlen@fmdh.org.

The Valley County Commissioners voted to increase county employee wages by 2.9% at their weekly meeting on Thursday.

The commissioners passed a resolution setting salaries for elected officials in Valley County effectively increasing elected officials wages by 2.9%. In a separate motion, the commissioners voted to give all county employees a 2.9% increase in salary.

Elected Officials Salaries in Valley County:

Valley County Commissioner- $58,686.49
Valley County Treasurer- $58,686.49
Valley County Clerk of District Court- $58,686.49
Valley County Clerk and Recorder/Assessor, Superintendent of Schools/Election Admin-$67,189.46
Valley County Attorney- $142,011.74(State of Montana pays $85,207.04)
Valley County Sheriff- $58,686.49
Valley County Justice of the Peace- $35,211.89

The Glasgow School Board met in regular session on Wednesday.

All Glasgow School Board meetings are recorded. To access those recordings:
https://www.glasgow.k12.mt.us/page/school-board

The School Board voted to increase bus driver wages by 7%. The starting salary for a bus driver in the district is now $25.61 per hour and for drivers with over 26 years of experience, the salary is now $31.18 per hour.

The board voted to renew the comprehensive property and liability insurance with MSPLIP at a cost of $171,534 which is a 3% decrease from last year.

The board voted to hire Strom and Associates as the auditor for the school district for the next 3 years.

The board game tentative approval to a new 2-year contract with Classified Staff in the school district. This includes a 7% increase in pay for the first year of the contract.

School enrollment as the end of the year was 757 students which is an increase of 21 students compared to May of 2024.

Town of Fort Peck – three candidates for two Town Council seats:
Joe French
Glenn Guenther
Kevin Vogel

City of Glasgow- two contested races:
Alderman, Ward 2
Randy Lasar
Darcia Schindler

Alderman, Ward 3
Danny Carr
Kristie Brabeck

Other races:
Mayor-Rod Karst
Alderman, Ward 1-Stan Ozark

Town of Nashua – there is now one candidate for every open seat except one:

Mayor JoAnna Turner
Alderman, 4-year term Ann MacDonald
Alderman, 4-year term Tyler J Skolrud
Alderman, 2-year term
(to fulfill) Tommy Gonzales
Alderman, 2-year term
(to fulfill) Gregg Fromdahl’s seat; no candidates yet

Town of Opheim – no change in what was reported previously:
Mayor Doug Bailey
Alderman, Ward 1 Scott St John 4-year term
Alderman, Ward 1 Coreen Schumacher 2-year term (to fulfill)
Alderman, Ward 2 Virgil Nelson 4-year term
Alderman, Ward 2 Les Redfield 2-year term (to fulfill)
Anita Leinen 2-year term (to fulfill)

This list is complete as the close of filing, 5 pm June11, 2025.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is conducting an angling “creel” survey at one of the state’s largest and most popular fisheries to monitor catch rates of popular game fish, fishing pressure, and determine the level of satisfaction of anglers. This data-gathering survey will be based at boat ramps around Fort Peck Reservoir and will continue through September.

It is important for all anglers to stop at the creel stations, from the most novice of anglers to professional fishing guides. The best data come from a true random sample of who is out there fishing; therefore, if one segment of the fishing population doesn’t take the time to participate, the data become biased.

Creel clerks will ask several questions about the day’s fishing and measure any fish kept. The interview is short and shouldn’t take more than a couple minutes. The information gathered from these surveys is important and helps FWP better manage the Fort Peck fishery by providing information on targeted species, size of fish harvested, and angler catch rates. This data is used in conjunction with various netting surveys to get a better overall picture of what is taking place on the reservoir.

The last creel survey on Fort Peck Reservoir was conducted in the summer of 2023. Over 2,200 angler interviews were conducted providing a large amount of information for a variety of fish species. Walleye were the most targeted species by anglers at 63.5%, and the size of harvested walleye averaged 16 inches, which was comparable to the previous creel survey. Chinook salmon were the second most targeted species at 17.2% in 2023, which increased from 11.8% in 2021.

Creel surveys indicate that more people are targeting cold water species like Chinook salmon and lake trout than in the past. These species are more susceptible to catch and release mortality during the hot summer months when surface temperatures are much higher than they prefer. Data from the creel can help biologists better estimate total mortality on a species like lake trout, which will aid in the species future management.

One pattern that tends to repeat itself is catch rates for most game fish species peak in late June/early July and decline thereafter. Much of this is due to forage levels that are seasonal in abundance. For example, most forage fish species (yellow perch, crappie, spottail shiners, emerald shiners, and cisco) in Fort Peck Reservoir hatch in the spring and early summer. As summer progresses and water temperatures warm, these forage fish will grow and can range in size from two to four inches in length during the month of August. These sizes provide an ideal food item that predatory fish can now key in on. This surge in food abundance can make it challenging for anglers, resulting in a tougher “bite.” It should be noted that netting surveys observed a very large year class of cisco that was produced in 2023, and in 2024 those same cisco were averaging approximately six inches in length.

If you value the fishery, FWP needs you to take the time to let us collect your data. Even if you have a tough day on the water and don’t catch any fish or you don’t keep any fish, that data is still important to know. The creel survey will be conducted from May 15 to September 15.

The Montana Lottery Commission has approved the Lottery’s game design for the 2025 edition of Montana Millionaire. After discussion and a public comment opportunity, the Commission approved it with a unanimous vote at its June 12 meeting.

The 2025 edition of the game will feature 620,000 tickets, five $1 million grand prizes, more instant-win prizes, and a “Quarter Million Monday” drawing for $250,000 on Dec. 1. There will be no change to the $20 price.

"We've listened to our players and sales agents and combined their feedback with our team's knowledge to responsibly enhance the 2025 Montana Millionaire after last year's surprising sell-out," commented Montana Lottery Director Bob Brown.

Last year’s game went on sale at 5:30 a.m. and sold out of its 500,000 tickets at 8:16 a.m., surprising Lottery officials who anticipated the additional 120,000 tickets from the year prior would slow, rather than accelerate, the rate of sales.

In summary, highlights of the 2025 game design include:

• Five $1 million grand prizes
• Better odds to win $1 million
• 120,000 more tickets available
• 200 more $500 instant wins
• 1,600 more $100 instant wins
• The $250,000 Quarter Million Monday Drawing
• Better overall odds

Montana Millionaire sales will go live Saturday, Nov. 1 at 5:30 a.m.

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

The Montana Department of Revenue is reporting that sales of cannabis in Valley County increased to $154,494 in the month of May. This compares to $139,424 in the month of April.

Sales of cannabis in Montana totaled $27.4 million in May and sales have reached $1.076 billion since sales began in January of 2022.

In May, sales in Roosevelt County reached $580,425 and in Sheridan County $102,953.

Cannabis is not legally sold in Phillips County, Daniels County or Garfield County as voters have not approved the sale of the drug in those respective counties.

Not only is cannabis legal to sell in Valley County, voters have also instituted a 3% tax on the sale of medical and adult use marijuana.

A Poplar woman who provided false statements to federal law enforcement was sentenced last week to 9 months in prison to be followed by 2 years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Annie Lee Kirn, 27, pleaded guilty in January 2025 to one count of making a false statement.

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

The government alleged in court documents that on the evening of November 21, 2023, Kirn returned with her elderly friend to his residence on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. Shortly thereafter, two men broke into the home. Armed with an assault rifle, the men assaulted the homeowner and another man and demanded money and access to a wall safe.

During an interview with federal law enforcement officers, Kirn said she saw the would-be robbers outside before the robbery and one of them kept trying to grab her, she then saw the gun and freaked out. She also told law enforcement the armed man told her to run, that she ran, and then he fired three or four times.

Law enforcement recovered and reviewed surveillance video from the home that showed a car with five people following Kirn’s truck into the yard. Two men, one of whom was armed with a rifle, approached the house while Kirn was getting out of the truck. After the homeowner went into the house, Kirn returned to the yard and visited with the two men. During that time, they discussed her relationship with the homeowner, Kirn offered to share a joint with the man armed with the rifle, they whispered about cash, and talked about the location of a safe. At one point, Kirn asked about the rifle, the armed man handed it to her, and she held it at the ready position before handing it back to the man. While they were outside, the man fired seven rounds from the rifle, primarily into the air.

In an interview in September 2024, law enforcement followed up with Kirn about the night of the robbery. When asked directly if she ever handled the firearm, Kirn said “hell no.” When asked if she had any conversations with the robbers, she said, “No…I didn’t talk with them at all.”

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kalah Paisley prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the FBI, ATF, and Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice.

Construction in the Fort Peck area continues as a huge project in Duck Creek moves forward. The project cost is $6.57 million and is federally funded. The expected completion date is October of 2025.

Press Release from Glasgow Downtown Association:

Here is our amazing Alive @ Five summer line up! Please note we have made a few changes. We have moved the event to THURSDAY. Plus, we have added an extra food cart to the mix. Lastly, we have done away with the September event. There is still everything you have come to love, live music, Firetruck Pull, Children's Museum activities, raffles, 50/50 and all the community fun!

We want to thank everyone who contributes to these events, they are fully volunteer run and so many different organizations and businesses come together to make them happen. This is what makes Glasgow amazing!

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. May runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 3.4 million acre-feet, 100% of average.

“Heavy rainfall in western and central North Dakota and South Dakota during May supplemented the mountain snowmelt runoff,” said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “May runoff in the upper basin above Sioux City was average; however, mountain snowpack is melting more rapidly than normal. As a result, the runoff forecast later this summer, and fall has been reduced slightly.”

The 2025 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 19.7 MAF, 77% of average, and slightly lower than last month’s forecast. The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks.

The volume of water stored in the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System is currently 51.5 MAF, 4.6 MAF below the top of the carryover multiple use zone.

Fort Peck releases will be decreased to 9,000 cfs on June 8 and Garrison releases will be decreased to 23,000 cfs due to the lower runoff forecast. Releases are expected to stay at those rates into September.

Mountain Snowpack:

The mountain snowpack peaked earlier than normal on April 5 for both reaches, earlier than the normal peak which occurs around April 17. The Fort Peck reach peaked at 92% of average, and as of June 1, 16% of the annual peak remained. The Garrison reach peaked at 95% of average, and as of June 1, 22% of the annual peak remained. On average, the mountain snowpack melts out in both reaches around July 1. The mountain snowpack graphics can be viewed at: http://go.usa.gov/xARQC.

Fort Peck Dam
Average releases past month – 9,100 cfs
Current release rate – 10,000 cfs
Forecast average release rate – 9,000 cfs
End-of-May reservoir level – 2227.7 feet (up 0.1 feet from April 30)
Forecast end-of-June reservoir level – 2228.4 feet
Notes: Releases will be reduced to 9,000 cfs on June 8 and maintained at that rate through September.

Hydropower:

The six mainstem power plants generated 829 million kWh of electricity in May. Typical energy generation for May is 789 million kWh. The power plants are expected to generate 8.4 billion kWh this year, compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh.

A BIG Congrats to Bryon Armour and Ty Thomas, both of Lewistown, MT., on winning tonight’s 26th Annual Milk River Catfish Classic!! The veteran catfishing duo weighed in 31.35 lbs. on five Channel Cats to secure their first ever Cat Classic title.

It turned out to be an impressive evening of fishing, despite the low water and windy conditions.

Here is the complete FINAL results of ALL 80 teams:

1. Bryon Armour, Lewistown, MT., Ty Thomas, Lewistown, MT. 31.35
2. Jason Flaten, Elko, NV., Chad Dawson, Glasgow, MT. 30.48
3. Bo Boreson, Perrysville, IN., Vance Anderson, Glasgow, MT. 28.62
4. Jayson Riggin, Billings, MT., Jeromy Riggin, Great Falls, MT. 28.21
5. Steve Harris Sr., Sidney, MT., Clancy Harris, Glasgow, MT. 26.54
6. Jeremy Schnebelt, Saco, MT., Josh Hirth, Hinsdale, MT. 26.28
7. Wrangler Jones, Hinsdale, MT., Dimon Jones, Hinsdale, MT. 25.96
8. Casey Riggin, Glasgow, MT., Tate Riggin, Glasgow, MT. 25.77
9. Mark Wagoner, Glasgow, MT., Sterling Johnson, Glasgow, MT. 24.02
10. Riley Bennett, Billings, MT., Mitch McIntyre, Glasgow, MT. 23.1
11. Storm Jackson, Glasgow, MT., Buddy Jackson, Glasgow, MT. 22.77
12. Trevor Klind, Glasgow, MT., Will Knierim, Glasgow, MT. 22.62
13. Jessica Riggin, Glasgow, MT., Brandi Nance, Nashua, MT. 22.02
14. Bobby Wise, Billings, MT., Robert Wise, Billings, MT. 21.88
15. Jake Aune, Glasgow, MT., Aiden Aune, Glasgow, MT. 21.77
16. Casey King, Glasgow, MT., Tyler King, Glasgow, MT. 21.68
17. Peyton Pedersen, Dickinson, ND., Carter Pedersen, Wolf Point, MT. 21.55
18. Allan Harrington, Glasgow, MT., Tara Harrington, Glasgow, MT. 21.32
19. Autumn Barney, Bozeman, MT., Brien Gault, Glasgow, MT. 21.22
20. Ryan Dempsey, Glendive, MT., Lily Perkins, Glendive, MT. 20.87
21. Dan Dupea, Billings, MT., Eli Dupea, Billings, MT. 19.61
22. Joel Smith, Glasgow, MT., Marc Kloker, Glasgow, MT. 19.57
23. Brady Flaten, Glasgow, MT., Jason Molstad, Glasgow, MT. 19.04
24. Mathew Flann, Hutchinson, MN., Brenda Flann, Hutchinson, MN. 17.86
25. Nate Adams, Nashua, MT., Lee Adams, St. Marie, MT. 17.53
26. Shawn Wersal, Glasgow, MT., Asher Wersal, Glasgow, MT. 17.41
27. Kyle Knight, Ballantine, MT., George Stuckers, Sidney, MT. 17.19
28. Jake Knaff, Glasgow, MT., Newt Knaff, Glasgow, MT. 16.82
29. Landon Holte, Fort Peck, MT., Carter Holte, Fort Peck, MT. 16.81
30. Karl Krause, Glasgow, MT., Larry Krause, Helena, MT. 16.59
31. Cody King, Glasgow, MT., Michael King, Glasgow, MT. 16.09
32. Kelcey Knaff, Glasgow, MT., Colt Knaff, Glasgow, MT. 16.05
33. Coel Stutheit, Glasgow, MT., John Grimes, Nashua, MT. 15.64
34. Kevin Schindler, Glasgow, MT., Kristian Price, Glasgow, MT. 14.86
35. Tracy Gasper, Circle, MT., Bronson Gasper, Circle, MT. 14.86
36. Jennifer Jackson, Glasgow, MT., Olivia Jackson, Glasgow, MT. 14.8
37. Leo Pattison, Glasgow, MT., Murdock Pattison, Glasgow, MT. 14.28
38. Katie Anderson, Glasgow, MT., Ali Kuka, Glasgow, MT. 14.24
39. Colton Hill, Dickinson, ND., Nick Weir, Dickinson, ND. 13.13
40. Darrin Wersal, Glasgow, MT., Kelbi Wersal, Glasgow, MT. 13.01
41. Darci Sillerud, Glasgow, MT., Curt Shipman, Glasgow, MT. 12.78
42. Rory Crawford, Wolf Point, MT., Josh Palm, Glasgow, MT. 12.72
43. Gus Kaufman, Glasgow, MT., Ledger Kaufman, Glasgow, MT. 12.1
44. Levi Sugg, Glasgow, MT., Rivers Sugg, Glasgow, MT. 12.06
45. Carmen Corey, St. Marie, MT., Chris Pedersen, St. Marie, MT. 11.94
46. James Merideth, Glendive, MT., Michael Merideth, Glasgow, MT. 11.65
47. Paul Provencher, Glasgow, MT., Jason Sillerud, Glasgow, MT. 11.53
48. Leonel Guzman, Culbertson, MT., Cesar Garcia, Culbertson, MT. 11.28
49. Mykayla Lauckner, Nashua, MT., Nicole Nelson, Glasgow, MT. 11.04
50. Trevor Waarvik, Glasgow, MT., Gage. Waarvik, Glasgow, MT. 10.87
51. Ricci Olson, Glasgow, MT., Dylan Guttenberg, Glasgow, MT. 10.79
52. Scott Redstone, Glasgow, MT., Macy Redstone, Glasgow, MT. 10.64
53. Brian Roness, Missoula, MT., Tanner Roness, Glasgow, MT. 10.47
54. Chase Olson, Big Timber, MT., Darcy Boos, Glasgow, MT. 10.25
55. Steve Harris Jr., Sidney, MT., Nick Fortier, Billings, MT. 9.63
56. Zach Miller, Glasgow, MT., Charlotte Miller, Glasgow, MT. 9.43
57. Ed Sugg, Glasgow, MT., Willow Sugg, Glasgow, MT. 9.07
58. Craig White, Glasgow, MT., Benson White, Glasgow, MT. 8.74
59. Reece Rorvick, Nashua, MT., Bentley Boreson, Glasgow, MT. 7.84
60. Tyler Johnson, Nashua, MT., Hillary Peace, Nashua, MT. 7.72
61. Matthew Bushman, Billings, MT., Corey Bushman, Billings, MT. 7.27
62. Todd Lindsay, Laurel, MT., JJ Lindsay, Laurel, MT. 6.9
63. Brielle Partridge, Glasgow, MT., Tatum Provencher, Glasgow, MT. 6.32
64. Gilmen Gasper, Circle, MT., Seeley Gasper, Circle, MT. 6.24
65. JD Bailey, Opheim, MT., Callahan Belling, Richland, MT. 6.16
66. Eric Braunberger, Miles City, MT., Lukas Braunberger, Miles City, MT. 5.78
67. William Goodrich, Corbett, OR., Riley Burmeister, Molt, MT. 3.44
68. Stone Tihista, Nashua, MT., Bonnie Dunning, Nashua, MT. 3.02
69. Josh Marottek, Medicine Lake, MT., Easton Marottek, Medicine Lake, MT. 2.11
70. Lucas Johnston, Troutdale, OR., Crosby Janzen, Missoula, MT. 0.91
71. David Irving, Glasgow, MT., Rod Ost, Glasgow, MT. 0.88
72. Corbin Rickert, Corbett, OR., Bryce Sander, Frenchtown, MT. 0.79
73. Mike Merideth, Nashua, MT., Michael Hendry, Nashua, MT.
74. Josh Schmitt, Sidney, MT., Will Goerss, Colstrip, MT.
75. Steve Sukut, Glasgow, MT., John Partridge, Fort Peck, MT.
76. Nathanial Lyman, Billings, MT., Peter Bushman, Joliet, MT.
77. Shelan Cooke, Glasgow, MT., Morgan Cooke, Glasgow, MT.
77. Brien Norcutt, Billings, MT., Steve Norcutt, Glasgow, MT.
79. Jed Korman, Saco, MT., Christal Korman, Saco, MT.
80. Norm Braaten, Fort Peck, MT., Dustin Braaten, Fort Peck, MT.

8 a.m. Catfish Crawl registration at the Busted Knuckle Taproom
8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Vendors and Crafts on 2nd Avenue South
9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bloody Mary & Breakfast Burrito Brunch at the Glasgow Elks Club
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. School's Out Carnival in front of the Children's Museum
11 a.m. Cornhole Tournament Pre-Registration at the Glasgow Elks Club
Noon: Adult Cornhole Tournament in front of the Glasgow Elks Club
Club Fundraisers throughout downtown Glasgow
Glasgow Fire Department Show And Tell
4 p.m. 24th Annual Catfish Classic Tournament begins
Midnight: Weigh-ins in the Glasgow Elks Lodge parking lot

Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement said in a news release on June 5, 2025, that the body of a 16-year old male was recovered from the Missouri River, near the rolloff site, southeast of Poplar.

The teen had entered the river from BIA Route 1, going into the south ditch, then through a fence, then eventually into the river, on Tuesday, June 3.

Law enforcement officers searched the area on boats and from the land nearby.

On Wednesday, the search continued for the teen, and services from the Williams County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Team were provided.

Boats with sonar devices were deployed and the vehicle was found in the river near a boat ramp by a private residence south of BIA Route 1.

On Thursday, the Williams County Sheriff's Office Search & Rescue Dive Team entered the water several times and were able to get a tow strap affixed to the vehicle.

The vehicle was retrieved from the water and the body of the teen was recovered inside of the vehicle.

The name of the teen has not yet been released, nor have any details as to what caused the vehicle to go into the river.

Claytons Memorial Chapel was on scene and provided their services.

The Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice extended their appreciation to numerous agencies for assistance:

The Fort Peck Tribes Patrol Division, the Criminal Investigation Division, Fish and Game Division, The Fort Peck Tribes Indian Reservation Road Department, The Fort Peck Tribes Disaster and Emergency Services, Roosevelt County DES and Sheriff's Office, Williams County Sheriff's Office, Williams County Underwater Search and Recovery, Williams County Emergency Management and Homeland Security Breathing Air Unit, J & B Towing, Williston Fire Department, The Montana Highway Patrol, Northeastern Montana Health Service, the Wolf Point Fire Department, and the Montana Department of Fish and Game. We would also like to thank the Fort Peck Tribes Prosecutor's Office for the food provided to all of the volunteers.

The agency also extended condolences to the family of the teen, and asked the public "to keep this family in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time."

Release from Valley Community Emergency Food Bank:

Mark your calendars! The Valley Community Emergency Food Bank will be hosting an open house Friday June 20th from 4-7pm and again on Wednesday June 25th from 4-7pm at the food bank 1020 1st Ave N. In Glasgow.

Come enjoy a root beer float (courtesy of the board) while you chat with a board member and tour the food bank learning why we are asking for support for a new building.
See you there!

The summer driving season is underway, and while gas prices normally peak this time of year, drivers are getting a reprieve. The national average for a gallon of regular is $3.14, down two cents from last week. Pump prices are 36 cents cheaper than last June, thanks to this year’s consistently low crude oil prices. Currently, oil supply in the market is outweighing demand. June gas prices haven’t been this low since 2021.

The average price for gasoline in Montana is $3.19 per gallon. In Valley County, the average price is $3.20 per gallon.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.45 million b/d last week to 8.26. Total domestic gasoline supply increased from 223.1 million barrels to 228.3. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 56 cents to settle at $62.85 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 4.3 million barrels from the previous week. At 436.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year.

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.73), Hawaii ($4.47), Washington ($4.38), Oregon ($3.98), Nevada ($3.84), Alaska ($3.65), Illinois ($3.36), Idaho ($3.31), Utah ($3.30), and Arizona ($3.30).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.64), Louisiana ($2.72), Tennessee ($2.72), Alabama ($2.73), Oklahoma ($2.75), Texas ($2.75), Arkansas ($2.76), South Carolina ($2.77), Kentucky ($2.82), and North Carolina ($2.83).

HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced Thursday that 39 Montana cities, towns, counties and water and sewer districts will share more than $23.7 million of grant funding to help communities construct or upgrade water and wastewater systems and bridges. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Coal Endowment Program.

“MCEP project grant funding is focused on addressing health and safety problems as well as the financial needs of cities, towns, counties and districts that apply to replace aging collection or distribution systems, to newly construct or repair treatment facilities and to repair or replace bridges,” said Montana Department of Commerce Acting Director Mandy Rambo.

The MCEP program helps 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 project grants:
• Alder County Water and Sewer District will receive $750,000 for wastewater collection system and UV upgrades, lagoon rehabilitation and sludge removal.
• Arlee/Lake County Water and Sewer District will receive $327,500 for upgrades to its wastewater collection system, treatment upgrades in its lagoon, manhole repairs and extension of sewer mains.
• Basin County Water and Sewer District will receive $500,000 for the replacement of water mains and new hydrants.
• The City of Big Timber will receive $500,000 for the construction of a new water storage tank, new transmission mains, new valve vault, control valves and supervisory control and data acquisition improvements.
• Bigfork County Water and Sewer District will receive $500,000 for water system improvements, including the installation of a new generator and the extension of a new water supply main across Bigfork Bay.
• The Town of Circle will receive $750,000 to replace water mains.
• The Town of Darby will receive $750,000 for the rehabilitation of wastewater gravity collection mains.
• The City of Deer Lodge will receive $439,000 for wastewater system improvements, including replacement of lines and manholes.
• The Town of Dutton will receive $750,000 for water distribution system improvements and replacement of a chlorination vault.
• The Town of Ennis will receive $500,000 for the construction of a new well house, the development of two new redundant water supply wells and the replacement of the existing water storage tank.
• The Town of Fairfield will receive $500,000 for the construction of two new water supply wells and distribution system improvements.
• Harrison Water and Sewer District will receive $750,000 for the construction of upgrades to its wastewater treatment lagoons and its irrigation system.
• Hinsdale County Water and Sewer District will receive $500,000 to construct water distribution system improvements.
• The Town of Hysham will receive $750,000 to upgrade its water treatment plant and infiltration galleries.
• The Town of Joliet will receive $625,000 to reconfigure and upgrade its wastewater lagoons.
• Judith Basin County will receive $520,891 for lift station rehabilitation, the replacement of piping, valve components and pumps and lagoon upgrades of the Geyser Water and Sewer District.
• Lewis and Clark County will receive $750,000 to replace the Augusta Clemons Road Bridge.
• The City of Libby will receive $500,000 to replace its lift station and install a wet well and backup generator.
• Madison County will receive $750,000 to replace the Silver Springs Bridge.
• The City of Malta will receive $500,000 for the installation of a new water tank.
• Martinsdale Water and Sewer District will receive $750,000 to replace mains and water service meters.
• Missoula County will receive $500,000 for replacement of the Styler Creek West Bridge.
• Park County will receive $612,750 to replace the Horse Creek Road Bridge.
• The Town of Pinesdale will receive $750,000 for the construction of improvements to its water distribution and treatment systems.
• Powder River County will receive $363,600 to replace the Randall/Moorhead Road Bridge.
• The City of Red Lodge will receive $500,000 for improvements to its wastewater system collection lines, piping and manholes.
• The Town of Richey will receive $500,000 to replace water mains on the south side of town, including the replacement of gate valves and hydrants.
• The City of Ronan will receive $750,000 for improvements to its wastewater treatment system and lagoon.
• The City of Roundup will receive $750,000 for wastewater system improvements including removal of lagoon sludge, new submerged attached growth reactor beds, a new generator and inspections to identify other necessary maintenance.
• The City of Shelby will receive $375,000 to install and rehabilitate sewer mains.
• South Wind Crossroads Community Water and Sewer District will receive $750,000 for water and wastewater system improvements, including expansion of the wastewater drain field, installation of a secondary water well and fencing.
• The Town of St. Ignatius will receive $750,000 for the replacement of all clay tile mains in its wastewater system and approximately 12,640 linear feet of the collection system.
• Sun Prairie Village County Water and Sewer District will receive $500,000 for water treatment facility improvements, pump stations and fences.
• The Town of Twin Bridges will receive $750,000 for water system improvements, including a new 560,000-gallon glass-lined steel storage tank.
• The Town of Whitehall will receive $750,000 to replace water mains.
• The City of White Sulphur Springs will receive $625,000 for water system improvements, including replacing media in the sand filter facility, a new aluminum catwalk at the pond and draining and dredging the intake pond at Willow Creek Reservoir.
• Wibaux County will receive $440,500 to replace Pine Unit Road Bridge.
• Willow Creek Sewer District will receive $750,000 for its wastewater system improvements project.
• The City of Wolf Point will receive $625,000 for its wastewater system improvements project to reduce inflow and infiltration.
Two years ago, Yellowstone County received $750,000 of MCEP funding to replace the Danford/56th Bridge.
“In the 2023 legislative session, Yellowstone County received $750,000 in MCEP grant funding to replace a load-restricted bridge and improve intersection safety,” said Yellowstone County Commissioner John Ostlund. “The Danford/56th Bridge is a crucial link in our transportation infrastructure and provides access to hundreds of existing residents, several schools, as well as agricultural and commercial properties. The MCEP funding was instrumental in helping us expedite repairs on this critical project without significantly impacting progress on the hundreds of other structures Yellowstone County is responsible for.”

Eligible applicants for MCEP 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.

NorthWestern Energy electric customers will pay another $17.07 a month on average on their electric bills compared to their current payments with a rate increase the utility instated without regulatory approval.

The increase is legal, but it’s also the first time the monopoly has taken advantage of a statute that allows it to impose a new rate after an application has been pending, said Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar.

“We’re not allowed to stop it,” Molnar said this week.

The Public Service Commission regulates monopoly utilities, and in July 2024, NorthWestern Energy filed an application with the agency requesting rate increases. A hearing will start on Monday, June 9.

However, Molnar said a statute adopted nearly 50 years ago gives NorthWestern Energy the right to increase rates on its own after nine months have passed since applying for an increase, and a spokesperson for the utility said it has been transparent that it would move forward with the option if necessary.

The monopoly utility announced the 16.87% rate increase, an equivalent of $205 a year, in advance of the hearing this month on its upcoming rate case.

NorthWestern Energy blamed its decision on stalled action by the Public Service Commission, but Molnar said the utility set up an impossible schedule from the start, including rolling five separate issues into one application, and it should stop pointing fingers.

The Montana Free Press first reported the self-determined increase.

NorthWestern spokesperson Jo Dee Black said this week the higher rates are temporary until the PSC sets rates. In the meantime, she said NorthWestern needs to “shore up finances.”

“In this case, it’s better for customers, we believe, if the rate increases are gradual,” Black said.

Before it adopted its own increase, NorthWestern Energy had requested the PSC approve a smaller, interim increase, as part of a partial settlement. However, NorthWestern said it would move ahead with its original request if the PSC didn’t respond by May 1.

“As a result of the Commission’s failure to timely grant the unopposed motion, NorthWestern’s as-filed electric rates become effective as a matter of law on May 23, 2025,” the utility wrote in a memo.

Black said the PSC took 14 months to make a decision in two recent cases, and the national average is around nine months. She said the “prolonged” review is creating “significant financial challenges” for NorthWestern.

Molnar, though, said the utility needed multiple attempts to even file an application that met minimum standards, it hasn’t answered questions in a timely fashion, and it included multiple issues in one case.

He said that approach means more work for a small staff, more intervenors, and more questions.

“They are playing the victim,” Molnar said. “They are casting aspersions. They are being derogatory towards my staff.”

The Public Service Commission oversees monopoly utilities in Montana and is charged with ensuring just rates for consumers and a fair return for private companies.

Molnar said the rates are in place until the PSC makes a final ruling on the case after the upcoming hearing — which Black said may not be until the fall.

If the PSC finds that NorthWestern is taking too much money from customers, Molnar said it has to pay back the amount deemed an overage plus 10%, and he questioned why NorthWestern would take that risk if it was in such dire straits.

Black said it wasn’t an easy decision, but the financial health and “strain on cash flow” tipped the balance.

Molnar also questioned how the PSC could take action on the smaller interim rate NorthWestern had submitted since the facts in the case remain in dispute.

“It is time for them to grow up and quit playing the victim and actually take responsibility for their actions,” Molnar said.

Although Molnar had strong words for NorthWestern — and offered to debate their spokesperson and CEO Brian Bird on talk radio — he also said decisions about their case would be made based on the facts, not on emotion.

He also said his job is different than NorthWestern Energy’s.

“They have one legal obligation,” Molnar said. “And they have only one party to serve that, by law, is their investors. They owe nothing to the ratepayers. … The Public Service Commission is elected to represent the people of Montana, to represent all ratepayers, and to represent the utility, and to treat all fairly and without bias.”

The rate case is scheduled to be heard June 9 to 20, although Molnar said this week the time period could be extended based on witness availability.

However, Molnar said the increase will hit lower- to middle-income earners hard, such as people living in an older mobile home without modern insulation.

He said people who are all-electric going into the cooling season will see much higher increases than $20 or so a month.

“This will be crushing to many low-income people, many of whom are simply elderly, that are being handed their butts every day in property tax increases, in utilities, insurance for their houses, insurance for their cars. You name it,” Molnar said. “This is a very, very bad time to be a poor person, and this will make it worse.”

Black, though, said the PSC is hurting NorthWestern Energy by not approving the rate increases it needs. At the end of 2024, she said, the PSC lowered electric rates by 7.45% instead of temporarily increasing them 1.89% as the utility had requested in its original application.

“That interim rate decrease has put NorthWestern Energy’s financial health at risk,” Black said in an email.

In NorthWestern Energy’s most recent earnings call at the end of April, its leaders reported “a solid first quarter,” a “very, very attractive” dividend yield, and significant growth potential in the future.

June 11th is the deadline to file for municipal offices in Valley County.

Here are the filings for municipalities in Valley County:

Town of Fort Peck
Two four-terms are open, Glenn Guenther’s seat and Joe French’s seat.
Three candidates have filed:
Joseph J French
Glenn Guenther
Kevin Vogel

City of Glasgow
Mayor Rod Karst’s term expires on12/31/25, no filings for this seat yet.
Alderman, Ward 1, Stan Ozark’s term expires on12/31/25, Ozark has filed for re-election.
Alderman, Ward 2, Doug Nistler’s term expires on12/31/25, Darcia Schindler has filed to run for this seat.
Alderman, Ward 3, Danny Carr’s term expires on12/31/25, Danny has filed to retain his seat.

Town of Nashua
Mayor JoAnna Turner’s term expires on12/31/25, Turner has filed for re-election.
All four alderman seats are up for election this year, 2 seats, Gregg Fromdahl’s and Tommy Gonzales’ are to fulfill the remaining two years of their terms. Tommy has filed to retain his seat. No one has filed for Fromdahl’s seat, and no one has filed for either of the two four-year terms.

Town of Opheim

Mayor – Doug Bailey has filed to retain his seat.
Alderman, Ward 1 –
Scott St. John has filed for another 4-year term
Coreen Schumacher filed to fulfill the last two years of her term.

Alderman, Ward 2 – Virgil Nelson has filed for another 4-year term,
Les Redfield filed to fulfill the last two years of his term, and
Anita Leinen has also filed to fulfill the last two years of Redfield’s term.

On Wednesday, June 6th, a portion of Duck Creek Road will be closed from 7 a.m. until noon.

The Valley County Road Department will be replacing a culvert on the west end of Duck Creek, otherwise known as the boat ramp entrance on Duck Creek Road. The location of the culvert is right off the highway.

Message from Valley Community Emergency Food Bank:

A Big Thank You to Kim Enkerud and the Glasgow Elks Lodge 1922 for the generous $4000 grant from the Elks Foundation. This generosity will go a long way to helping us end hunger in Valley County.

REMINDER!! The Sales are Thursday. Visit Irle Elementary, GMS, GHS, and the Bus Barn. We will be set up much like a garage sale. We are excepting bids today for any of the bidded items as well!
School District Sale - June 5, 2025 (8 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

GHS - #1 Scottie Pride Drive
GHS/GMS Retired Sports Uniforms & Speech & Drama Uniforms, Steamer Pans, Photography Light/Umbrella Set-up, Breakaway Basketball Rims, Art Classroom Equipment/Supplies, Ladders, Boiler Parts, Metal Chairs, Smartboards, Wrestling Wall Mats, Speakers, Desktop Computers & Laptops (none have hard drives), Projector.
BID ITEMS: Refrigerator, Gas Convection Commercial Ovens, Grow Cabinet for Plants, Weight Equipment Pull Down Machines, Rep Weight Lifting Benches, Line Paint Sprayer, Scoreboards, Upright Piano.

GMS – 11 Lasar Drive
Tables, Folding Tables, Retired Sports Uniforms, TV, Wall Mount Changing Table, Podium, Speakers, Amp, Cordless Backpack Vacuum, Smartboard, Projector, Chromebooks (obsolete), Desktop Computers & Laptops (none have hard drives), VGA Monitors, Printers. Handicap Toilet Chair, 20” TV, Student Desks, Mats

Irle Elementary School - 825 8th St N
Large Circular Tables, Elementary Reading Books, Speaker (broken), Wooden Blocks, Chart Stand, Projectors & Bulbs, Desktop Computers & Laptops (none have hard drives), iPad Keyboards, Document Cameras & Printer (non-working), VCA Monitors, Chromebooks, iPads.

Bus Barn - 229 7th Street North
County Wall Map, City Wall Map, Paper Shredder (needs work), Podium, Framed School Pictures, Projector Screen, Medify Air Purifiers (large & small) with filters, Desktop & Laptop Computers (no hard drives), Decontamination Lights, Anvil, Bench Vice, Florescent Bulbs, Wall Mount TV Brackets, Metal Stand, Bolt Bin w/Bolts, Bench Grinder w/Wire.

BID ITEMS: Grass Hopper Mower, Toro Zero-turn Mower, Hobart MIG Welder, Miller Stick Welder, 1994 Chevy Van, 2002 Bluebird Micro Bus, Table Saw.

(BIDS can be submitted at the School Admin Office-229 7th St N, or by calling 228-2406, or by Facebook Messenger, or onsite the day of the sale.)

The Glasgow City Council met in regular session Monday evening.

Action items from the meeting.

The city received no bids for gas and diesel for fiscal year 2025-2026. The city will readvertise for bids in the next month.

The council game preliminary approval to hire Cory Sager as a new officer with the Glasgow Police Department. This is pending approval from the Glasgow Police Commission.

A resolution was passed revising the 2024-2025 budget for the Fire Relief Fund. This allowed the fund to make a $3600 payment to a retired Glasgow Firefighter.

Marc Kloker was reappointed to the Glasgow City/County Library Board with a term ending June 30, 2030. Herb Sand was appointed to the Glasgow Levee Committee.

The council tabled a decision on continuing the GPD Hiring Incentive for another fiscal year. The council asked for more information from the Glasgow Police Department before making a final decision. The current hiring incentives are $4000 for a new hire with no experience and $6000 for a new hire with experience.

You know those colorful boat stickers you had to have on your boat and replace every three years?

They are no longer needed thanks to legislation signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte on May 1.

The legislation was sponsored by Rep. Steve Kelly and was proposed by FWP. The main feature of the new law is the removal of the requirement for watercraft validation for motorized vessels. This validation was a free a sticker that boat owners had to get every three years from FWP.

The reason for the validation was a requirement by the U.S. Coast Guard that allowed FWP to secure federal boating safety funds. However, the Coast Guard requirements changed and Montana was no longer compliant.

Rather than ask Montana boat owners to get an annual validation, Gov. Gianforte, FWP and lawmakers decided to remove the requirement all together.

“This new law eliminates a confusing and unnecessary piece of bureaucracy for boat owners,” said FWP Director Christy Clark. “Boat owners just need to license their vessel one time with the county they live in.”

Even if you didn't already have the orange sticker as shown below (good through February of 2026), you STILL don't need it.

Candidate filing deadlines for the upcoming municipal election have changed under a new state law.

House Bill 207, which went into effect when Gov. Greg Gianforte signed it on May 12, changes the filing dates to Tuesday, May 27, through Wednesday, June 11.

Candidate filings received before May 12 are considered valid.

Here are the filings for municipalities in Valley County:

Town of Fort Peck
Two four-terms are open, Glenn Guenther’s seat and Joe French’s seat.
Three candidates have filed:
Joseph J French
Glenn Guenther
Kevin Vogel

City of Glasgow
Mayor Rod Karst’s term expires on12/31/25, no filings for this seat yet.
Alderman, Ward 1, Stan Ozark’s term expires on12/31/25, no filings for this seat yet.
Alderman, Ward 2, Doug Nistler’s term expires on12/31/25, Darcia Schindler has filed to run for this seat.
Alderman, Ward 3, Danny Carr’s term expires on12/31/25, Danny has filed to retain his seat.

Town of Nashua
Mayor JoAnna Turner’s term expires on12/31/25, no filings for this seat yet.
All four alderman seats are up for election this year, 2 seats, Gregg Fromdahl’s and Tommy Gonzales’ are to fulfill the remaining two years of their terms. Tommy has filed to retain his seat. No one has filed for Fromdahl’s seat, and no one has filed for either of the two four-year terms.

Town of Opheim

Mayor – Doug Bailey has filed to retain his seat.
Alderman, Ward 1 –
Scott St. John has filed for another 4-year term
Coreen Schumacher filed to fulfill the last two years of her term.

Alderman, Ward 2 – Virgil Nelson has filed for another 4-year term,
Les Redfield filed to fulfill the last two years of his term, and
Anita Leinen has also filed to fulfill the last two years of Redfield’s term.

FWP Region 6 rainbow trout stocking report--June 1, 2025
fish culture specialist Ryan Lott

This past week, we were able to stock a bunch of area ponds with catchable rainbow trout ranging from 7-9" long!

Glasgow Base Pond (Valley Co.) 1000 fish
VR009 (lower base pond) (Valley Co. 1000 fish
Kountz Pond (Prairie Co.) 250 fish
Douchette Lake (Phillips Co.) 1000 fish
PR 018 Reservoir (Phillips Co.) 250 fish
Flintstone Reservoir (Phillips Co.) 1000 fish
Paleface Reservoir (Phillips Co.) 250 fish
Snag Retention Reservoir (Phillips Co.) 500 fish
Hofman Reservoir (Roosevelt Co.) 500 fish
Ikes Fishing Pond (Roosevelt Co.) 500 fish

With crude oil prices lingering in the low $60s per barrel, drivers are reaping the benefits at the pump. The national average is down about 3 cents from last week, returning to what it was a month ago: $3.16. While fuel prices are expected to remain on the lower side compared to last summer, weather is the wild card. The Atlantic hurricane season begins Sunday, and NOAA predicts a 60% chance of an above-normal season. Storms along the Gulf Coast can affect oil refineries and disrupt fuel deliveries, leading to a temporary increase in gas prices.

Today’s National Average: $3.166

One Week Ago: $3.195

One Month Ago: $3.180

One Year Ago: $3.56

In Montana, the average price of gasoline is $3.20 per gallon.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.64 million b/d last week to 9.45. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 225.5 million barrels to 223.1. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI increased 95 cents to settle at $61.84 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 440.4 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 6% below the five-year average for this time of year.

State Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.81), Hawaii ($4.48), Washington ($4.42), Oregon ($4.02), Nevada ($3.90), Alaska ($3.66), Illinois ($3.39), Idaho ($3.34), Arizona ($3.33), and Utah ($3.31).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.65), Louisiana ($2.72), Tennessee ($2.72), Alabama ($2.74), Texas ($2.75), Arkansas ($2.80), South Carolina ($2.82), North Carolina ($2,837), Missouri ($2.86), and Kentucky ($2.875).

Story credit to Northern Plains Independent

https://www.northernplainsindependent.com/
The proposed Eastern Montana Fertilizer Plant near Culbertson is still very much a possibility, according to John Mues of Cyan H2.

Mues said an off-take marketing agreement has been approved by a conglomerate’s business management and legal departments. Now, that group’s board of directors must decide to move forward during its next meeting in June.

“The project has never been in better shape,” Mues said. “The word we have right now is that it will be approved.”

He explained though that some adjustments need to still take place. One challenge is that because the time to reach the agreement has been lengthy, some investors might have less interest now in the project than they expressed in the past.

Mues said another challenge is the philosophy for public financing under the Trump administration is different than it was under the Biden administration.

Cost of the project is estimated at $1.8 billion. The original plan was that the funding would come from commercial debt, public debt and private equity.

Mues said it will be a test of Montana’s current congressional delegation of whether they want the nation to use a Montana product or to continue importing Russian fertilizer. The hope is Montana’s delegation works to secure public financing or has suggestions for alternatives.

Mues explains that the project will not only benefit northeastern Montana but the entire state. Montana State University instructors Dr. Paul Gannon and Brooke Lahneman have each provided lessons about the benefits of such a project.

The unapproved draft expects $220 million

in sales over a 15-year period. The first delivery of fertilizer is scheduled for 2029.

It’s believed that the project would create 2,000 construction jobs at its peak and about 200 operational positions. “That’s direct jobs not in-direct jobs that will help the region,” Mues said.

CyanH2 is a Montana veteran owned business. Four principles are veterans including two West Point graduates and two U.S. Naval graduates.

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

https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/23/northwestern-energy-implements-17-percent-electricity-rate-increase/

Without giving consumers a heads up, NorthWestern Energy on Friday said it will increase electricity rates for consumers by $204 a year, without review from Montana’s utility regulator.

Documents filed with Montana’s Public Service Commission indicate that rates increased $17.07 a month for NorthWestern’s typical residential customers without prior approval from regulators or notifying its customers.

NorthWestern, which provides electricity and natural gas service to roughly two-thirds of Montana residents, is relying on a little-known Montana law that allows a monopoly utility to set its own rates when the PSC fails to act on a utility-requested rate change within nine months.

NorthWestern’s latest request for a change in rates was filed in July 2024. When the clock ran down on the PSC’s time to act, the utility moved ahead with the electricity rates it initially requested.

PSC President Brad Molnar told Montana Free Press on Friday that the utility deserves some of the blame for delays in the commission’s decision-making, and Montana is entering the “wild West” in utility rates.

“[NorthWestern is] saying that there’s going to be no oversight on what [they] ask for — that is what they’re doing,” Molnar said. “What it comes down to is they want another $70 million [from customers], and they’re not willing to wait two weeks to start the process. … It is a very, very high-risk maneuver on their part.”

A hearing on NorthWestern’s rate case is scheduled to begin June 9. The commission could require a downward adjustment on rates based on the outcome of that hearing, in which case, NorthWestern customers would be refunded the difference — with interest.

“NorthWestern Energy is looking forward to the opportunity to present our case fully and transparently at the Montana PSC hearing next month,” NorthWestern spokesperson Jo Dee Black said in a text to MTFP Friday.

Gary Duncan, who has been working in utility regulation for four decades, said he isn’t aware of a Montana utility rolling out a new rate without regulatory approval before.

“I have never seen this done, not in my history. And, also, I believe that when you’re raising rates by 16.8%, the public should be noticed by the commission and by NorthWestern,” he said. “I have a vested interest in this also, because I happen to be a customer of NorthWestern, so this irritates the hell out of me.”

Molnar said the rate increase will have disproportionate impacts, hitting those reliant on electricity (as compared to natural gas) for heating and cooling, as air conditioning season begins.

“It’s going to have huge negative effects,” he said. “Many people are not going to afford their utility bills, is our concern.”

A big piece of NorthWestern’s overall rate increase is tied to the $300 million 175-megawatt gas plant near Laurel that NorthWestern fired up last fall. The rates NorthWestern proposed last year — and adopted Friday — were based on an assumption that all 18 units of the plant would be operational, and that hasn’t been the case.

“One of the issues is an overcollection for [Yellowstone County Generating Station] for units that they thought would be in service, but are not yet,” said Jenny Harbine, an Earthjustice attorney representing Montana Environmental Information Center in the rate case. “They’ve backtracked. They’ve acknowledged that their initial filing was inflated.”

Harbine said that refunds later for higher rates now “kind of puts ratepayers on this roller coaster.”

The Montana Lottery has awarded $67,653 in high-tier prizes since May 19.

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

A Wolf Point winner, playing The $14,000 Montana Crossword, claimed their prize of $14,000 on May 22. The winning ticket was purchased at B&S Quick Stop in Brockton.

A Butte winner, playing Shake A Day, claimed their prize of $13,221 on May 21. The winning ticket was purchased at Jersey’s in Butte.

A Belgrade winner, playing MT Slots, claimed their prize of $10,675 on May 19. The winning ticket was purchased at Rhino Casino in Belgrade.

A Billings winner, betting with Sports Bet Montana, claimed their prize of $8,200 on May 19. The winning ticket was purchased at The Bet Casino in Billings.

A Helena winner, playing Big Sky Bonus, claimed their prize of $6,673 on May 23. The winning ticket was purchased at WinCo Foods in Helena.

A Billings winner, playing Lucky for Life, claimed their prize of $5,000 on May 22. The winning ticket was purchased at Albertsons on 511 Central Avenue in Billings.

The Montana Lottery was created by a citizen's referendum in 1986. Since then, it has paid over $1.06 billion in prizes and returned approximately $361.3 million to the State of Montana and $104.5 in sales agent commissions.

Boasting 7,758 acres, a just-purchased portion of the Webb Ranch in north Phillips County will serve as a "grassbank campus" under the future ownership of the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance.

Malta, Montana — One year after announcing a collaborative vision for a 'grassbank campus,' the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are proud to share a significant step forward with the purchase of a portion of the Webb Ranch near Loring, Montana. This 7,758-acre property will become a living platform for RSA’s growing mission: to create new opportunities for beginning and building ranchers while fostering mentorship from seasoned producers.

In close partnership with a local real estate professional, the group diligently searched for a property that met two critical criteria: first, the property allowed ample time for local buyers to express interest; and second, it was at risk of leaving production agriculture. The Webb Ranch emerged as the ideal fit. Every step of the process was guided by a deep respect for the region’s ranching community and a commitment to ensuring the purchase added value to Montana agriculture.

“I thank TNC for their interest in this portion of our ranch, the original homestead near the Canadian border,” said Bill Webb. “I look forward to assisting them with their goals.”

With the initial purchase by TNC now complete, the organization has started the process of transferring the property into RSA ownership and management. In the coming months, RSA’s rancher-led Board of Directors will build a place-specific management plan that honors the land’s rich legacy while pushing boldly toward the future. The ranch will initially be leased to a local rancher as this long-term plan, which will include grazing access for numerous beginning and building producers, takes shape.

Throughout the process, RSA remains committed to transparency, local involvement, and the long-term vitality of working lands. The project is not only about keeping producers on the land but multiplying that impact by supporting ranchers in early stages of development. More than providing a grazing opportunity, this ranch will serve as a campus for connection—a place where mentorship thrives, community builds resilience, and education is rooted in real-world experience. By pairing access to land with support, learning, and relationships, RSA aims to help new and growing ranchers start strong, stay strong, and contribute to a thriving landscape.

What is a Grassbank?

A grassbank is a system where ranchers are incentivized to implement practices, traditionally conservation-based, on their own land in exchange for access to grazing. The most well-known example in Montana is TNC’s Matador Ranch, a 60,000-acre ranch located in south Phillips County where multiple ranchers graze in common. With this model, a producer would have to own land to participate. Because many of the ranchers RSA hopes to support in this new project may not yet own land, the grassbank model shifts: beginning and building ranchers will earn access and incentives by taking steps that set them up for long-term success. RSA’s rancher-led Board of Directors will determine these incentives with a mindset of meeting ranchers where they are and preparing them for where they want to go.

“This moment is a testament to what collaboration and shared vision can accomplish,” said RSA President and Phillips County rancher Conni French. “We believe in thoughtful ranching and the stewardship of these grasslands. With this gift, we’re putting those beliefs into motion—while staying rooted in our values of transparency, local respect, and working in step with our community.”
“Here at The Nature Conservancy, we believe in the power of community-led conservation, and we are honored to support the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance in their aim to further support their community and Montana’s ranching legacy,” said Kelsey Molloy, Northern Great Plains Director for the Montana Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. “This is an incredible milestone and such a meaningful step toward ensuring Montana’s agricultural heritage remains strong and sustainable and our landscapes are healthy and thriving.”

More information will be shared in the coming months as RSA elevates community outreach and establishes its management plan.

Ranchers Stewardship Alliance is a rancher-led, grassroots organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, Ranchers Stewardship Alliance works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. To learn more, visit ranchstewards.org.

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, TNC creates innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.

Candidate filing deadlines for the upcoming municipal election have changed under a new state law.

House Bill 207, which went into effect when Gov. Greg Gianforte signed it on May 12, changes the filing dates to Tuesday, May 27, through Wednesday, June 11. Filing had been open since April 17 but is now on pause until Tuesday.

Candidate filings received before May 12 are considered valid.

Hill County Officials in Havre are reporting a confirmed case of measles in the county.

https://montanafreepress.org/2025/05/22/how-montanas-new-second-home-tax-could-shift-your-property-tax-bill/

The major property tax relief package signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte this month is set to bring double-digit property tax cuts to many Montana homeowners and landlords by the time it is fully implemented in 2026, according to projections from the Montana Department of Revenue.

It will also bring massive tax increases — in excess of 60% — to many residential properties that don’t qualify for a new “homestead” exemption aimed at reducing the tax burden on primary residences. Similarly, taxes on commercial and industrial business properties are expected to rise this year as the new tax code offers up homeowner relief via interim rates.

Earlier versions of the projections were widely circulated among lawmakers and lobbyists as they considered different proposals aimed at tackling rising homeowner property taxes during this year’s legislative session. A version projection provided to MTFP May 14 — described by the department as a “preliminary analysis” of the new tax codes — forecasts that, on average, the proposal will reduce taxes for owner-occupied homes by 18% over two years, with most of those savings appearing on the 2025 tax bills mailed this fall.

The homestead exemption will be available upon application to residential properties where taxpayers live at least seven months of the year, as well as to residential properties that are rented to tenants on a minimum monthly basis for at least seven months a year.

If the Legislature had left the state’s property tax code unchanged, the department believes that homeowner and landlord tax bills would instead have increased 11% on average over the next two years as rising housing prices continue to pull additional tax burden onto homes.

Additionally, the department believes that the new tax policy means non-homestead residential properties — second homes and Airbnb-style short term rentals — will see average increases each of the next two years, for a cumulative increase of 68% by 2026. Under the previous code, those properties would have seen an estimated increase of 14%.

While Gianforte and the measure’s backers had initially hoped to see the second-home tax implemented in full this year, the timing of the package’s late-session passage forced them to include interim rates for this year’s tax bills, leaving implementation of the full second-home tax for 2026. (They also authorized $400 homeowner rebates for this year.)

As a result, some property owners will see tax bill whiplash, with higher bills this fall, then lower bills next year — or vice versa.

For example, the revenue department expects the average commercial property to see an 11% tax increase this year, then a 7% decrease next as second homes pick up more tax burden. Those shifts combine to a projected increase of 3% over two years.

In contrast, residences on agricultural land — which the new tax law treats as a separate category from other types of homes — are projected to see an average decrease of 17% in 2025, then a 50% increase in 2026.

Actual bills for particular properties will in all likelihood vary widely from those averages. That’s because the property-specific effects of the new tax law will depend on the many factors that figure into the state’s complex property tax math, including the composition of city, county and school district tax bases, as well as how the revenue department values a given property relative to its neighbors.

Additionally, both the interim rates for 2025 and the permanent ones for 2026 incorporate tiered structures that will focus a greater share of taxes on comparatively high-value properties. This year, for example, home values greater than $1.5 million will be taxed at nearly three times the rate of values below $400,000.

A similar provision in the final 2026 rates aims to shield lower-value commercial properties from some of the taxes that are being shifted away from residences.

The figures provided by the department also include averages for expected tax shifts between property types in each of Montana’s 56 counties.

In some, the department is projecting smaller decreases for average homeowners over the next two years — 9% in Missoula County, for example, and 12% in Gallatin County . Others are likely to see larger decreases, including a projected 26% decrease on homeowner tax bills in Silver Bow County and 23% in Cascade County.

Similar variability is on the table for long-term rental properties, which also qualify for the homestead reduction (proponents have said they hope market forces eventually force landlords to pass savings onto tenants).

The revenue department estimates that the average long-term rental property will see a net 22% decrease to its tax bill by next year. That number is expected to be higher, 27%, in Flathead County (Kalispell), but lower, only 13%, in Missoula County.

On the flip side, some parts of the state could see even higher increases to taxes on second homes and other residential properties that don’t qualify for the homestead exemption. In Lewis and Clark County (Helena), for example, the department projects that taxes on non-homestead residential properties could rise by 94% over the next two years. In Missoula County, the department expects them to more than double, increasing by a cumulative 105%.

Two Montana counties are now reporting confirmed sightings of the black-legged tick, best known for carrying Lyme disease.

The tick has now been identified in Sheridan County in northeastern Montana, which includes the community of Plentywood. This comes in addition to confirmation of the tick earlier this spring in Dawson County.

In the Dawson County instance, the unusual tick was found on a dog following a hunting trip.

As for Sheridan County, the tick was detected by crews who were conducting active tick surveillance near a lake.

Up until now, ticks in Montana were not known to carry Lyme disease, but public health officials worry that could soon change.

Devon Cozart, an epidemiologist with the Montana Department of Public Health & Human Service (DPHHS), said, "We can have a situation where these are what I call just one-off ticks, meaning they maybe were flown in on a bird from another state, landed, and couldn't survive here long term, or we could have a population of ticks actively reproducing and currently present that would then introduce that greater risk," Cozart said.

Blacklegged ticks are much smaller and darker in color than most other ticks in Montana that might feed on humans. The presence of blacklegged ticks in Montana may increase the risk of exposure to new tickborne illnesses in the state.

Full story:
https://dailymontanan.com/2025/05/20/u-s-census-gallatin-flathead-county-add-most-residents-in-montana/

Gallatin and Flathead were the fastest growing counties in Montana between 2023 and 2024, while the city of Kalispell has grown nearly 25% since 2020, adding more residents than any Montana city, according to the latest population growth data from the U.S. Census

The federal government last week released the latest population counts for the nation’s more than 3,000 counties, as well as all incorporated cities and towns.

In Montana, 32 of the state’s 56 counties saw a population increase, concentrated in the state’s western counties, while the mostly eastern counties that saw population declines did so by just over a thousand cumulative residents.

As a whole, Montana added 5,931 new residents between July 1, 2023 and July 1, 2024, for a total state population of 1,137,233. The state’s growth rate of .52% was slower than the national growth rate of 1%, partly due to a last-in-the-nation level of international migration, and far lower than in recent years. Between 2020 and 2021, Montana added a whopping 19,000 new residents.

The United States has added 3,304,757 people between 2023 and 2024.

In the last release of census data, Gallatin and Flathead counties added 1,055 and 1,032 new residents, respectively, the first time since the population boom began in 2020 Flathead County hasn’t led in raw numbers. But the northwest county had a higher rate of change at .91% compared to Gallatin’s .84%.

Broadwater County had the highest percentage population increase in the last year, 2.96%, and over the last four years, with 22.2%, but the county’s 8,302 residents makes it just the 27th most inhabited in Montana.

Since 2020, however, Flathead County has led the state in sheer number of additional residents, adding more than 10,100 to Gallatin’s just over 8,000 and Yellowstone County’s 6,800.

Meanwhile, Kalispell, the county seat of the Flathead, added 1,125 new residents between 2023 and 2024 for a population of 31,296, a nearly 4% increase stemming from the city’s annexation of new developments and migration into the area.

Bozeman added the second most residents, 788, followed by Billings (686), Missoula (557) and Helena (360). Of the state’s most populous cities, Great Falls, Havre and Sidney all lost residents.

Kalispell’s growth is even more drastic over the last four years. Between 2020 and 2024, the city added 6,218 new residents, a 24.8% increase that ranked the city 39th in the nation for growth among cities with more than 20,000 residents.

Helena, which grew by 8.2%, and Bozeman, which grew by 8.1%, ranked in the 260s.

Kalispell City Manager Doug Russell said seeing the actual numbers isn’t a big surprise for the people who have been working to accommodate the rising population.

“We’ve experienced that large growth in person over the years,” Russel said.

Russell said that planning for increased growth is key to keeping city services and infrastructure at a level to handle the demands of a rapidly growing population.

“Our public works department has done a really great job updating facilities plans on a routine basis and updating growth models to to anticipate where we’ll need to prioritize infrastructure projects,” Russel said.

Among the major infrastructure projects Kalispell has prioritized in recent years are construction of a new water tower to bolster the municipal water storage and working with the state transportation department to address potential bottlenecks along major transit corridors, such as W. Reserve Drive, along the city’s north end.

Russell said the city is currently updating its land use policy, which will allow city officials to prepare for the next round of anticipated growth.

If Kalispell’s growth trend continues, it could soon overtake Helena and Butte-Silver Bow in size.

Just north of Kalispell, Whitefish has also grown by nearly 20% since 2020, adding 1,481 residents, while nearby Polson and Columbia Falls have grown 9.6% and 7.4%.

Belgrade, a suburb of Bozeman, one of the state’s least affordable cities, is the only other large city in Montana to exceed 20% growth, adding 2,265 residents since 2020.

On the other end of the spectrum, Montana’s smallest incorporated town, Ismay, has stayed exactly the same, with 21 residents since 2020, according to Census data.

A call placed to the only publicly listed phone number in Ismay, the Ismay Community Church, did not get a response on Tuesday to verify the town’s 21 residents.

Two other incorporated towns in Montana showed flat growth rates since 2020, both on the Hi-Line in Phillips County — Dodson, which increased from 126 residents to 127 in 2023, but then returned to 126 in 2024, and Malta, which has fluctuated around 1,853 residents for several years.

Nationally, of the 10 fastest growing cities in the country, six are in Texas, and one each is in Florida, Utah, South Carolina and North Carolina.

Forney, Texas, added 15,079 residents between 2020 and 2024, a 62.2% increase.

The nation’s fastest shrinking city was Big Spring, Texas, which lost 14% of its population.

The U.S. Census Bureau data breaks out changes to county population by natural change — the difference due to birth rates and death rates — and net migration into and out of a county.

While Flathead and Gallatin counties each grew by roughly the same 1,000 residents between 2023 and 2024, they did so in vastly different ways.

A quarter of Gallatin County’s increase was due to a younger population. The county’s birth rate was 1,141 people while only 686 individuals died during the year of record.

Meanwhile Flathead, Missoula, and Yellowstone counties had almost equal numbers of births and deaths in their communities, trends that extend back to 2020.

Flathead County’s primary source of growth is new residents moving to the county. Ninety-nine percent of new residents between 2020 and 2024 relocated to the area, while just three-quarters of new Gallatin County residents did.

Both on the eastern side of the state, Montana’s two least populous counties, Treasure and Petroleum, with 739 and 535 residents respectively, saw the largest population percentage decline in residents.

Petroleum lost 18 residents in 2024, six from a higher death rate than birth rate, and 12 who moved out of the county. Treasure County dropped by 28 residents, gaining two from natural change, but losing 30 to relocation.

The state’s largest county, Yellowstone, with 171,583 residents, is more populous than the state’s 36 least inhabited combined.

School District Sale - June 5, 2025 (8 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

GHS - #1 Scottie Pride Drive
GHS/GMS Retired Sports Uniforms & Speech & Drama Uniforms, Steamer Pans, Photography Light/Umbrella Set-up, Breakaway Basketball Rims, Art Classroom Equipment/Supplies, Ladders, Boiler Parts, Metal Chairs, Smartboards, Wrestling Wall Mats, Speakers, Desktop Computers & Laptops (none have hard drives), Projector.
BID ITEMS: Refrigerator, Gas Convection Commercial Ovens, Grow Cabinet for Plants, Weight Equipment Pull Down Machines, Rep Weight Lifting Benches, Line Paint Sprayer, Scoreboards, Upright Piano.

GMS – 11 Lasar Drive
Tables, Folding Tables, Retired Sports Uniforms, TV, Wall Mount Changing Table, Podium, Speakers, Amp, Cordless Backpack Vacuum, Smartboard, Projector, Chromebooks (obsolete), Desktop Computers & Laptops (none have hard drives), VGA Monitors, Printers. Handicap Toilet Chair, 20” TV, Student Desks, Mats

Irle Elementary School - 825 8th St N
Large Circular Tables, Elementary Reading Books, Speaker (broken), Wooden Blocks, Chart Stand, Projectors & Bulbs, Desktop Computers & Laptops (none have hard drives), iPad Keyboards, Document Cameras & Printer (non-working), VCA Monitors, Chromebooks, iPads.

Bus Barn - 229 7th Street North
County Wall Map, City Wall Map, Paper Shredder (needs work), Podium, Framed School Pictures, Projector Screen, Medify Air Purifiers (large & small) with filters, Desktop & Laptop Computers (no hard drives), Decontamination Lights, Anvil, Bench Vice, Florescent Bulbs, Wall Mount TV Brackets, Metal Stand, Bolt Bin w/Bolts, Bench Grinder w/Wire.

BID ITEMS: Grass Hopper Mower, Toro Zero-turn Mower, Hobart MIG Welder, Miller Stick Welder, 1994 Chevy Van, 2002 Bluebird Micro Bus, Table Saw.

(BIDS can be submitted at the School Admin Office-229 7th St N, or by calling 228-2406, or by Facebook Messenger, or onsite the day of the sale.)

Here are the filings for Municipal Offices as of Monday, May 19, 2025

City of Glasgow
Alderman, Ward 3 Danny Carr

Town of Fort Peck
Councilmember Glenn R Guenther

Town of Nashua
Alderman Tommy Gonzales

Town of Opheim
Mayor Doug Bailey

Alderman, Ward 1 Coreen Schumacher (to fulfill through 12/31/2027)

Alderman, Ward 1 Anita Leinen

Alderman, Ward 2 Les Redfield (to fulfill through 12/31/2027)

Alderman, Ward 2 Virgil Nelson

Here are the municipal offices that are up for election in 2025:

Filing for municipal offices opened Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 8 am and closes at 5 pm on Monday, June 16, 2025. Terms ending 12/31/25 are:

Town of Fort Peck

Alderman
Glenn R Guenther

Alderman
Joseph J French

City of Glasgow
Mayor
Rod Karst

Alderman, Ward 1 Stan Ozark
Alderman, Ward 2 Doug Nistler
Alderman, Ward 3 Danny Carr

Town of Nashua
Mayor
JoAnna Turner

Alderwoman
Ann Mac Donald

Alderman
Darwin Johnson

Town of Opheim
Mayor
Doug Bailey

Alderman, Ward 1
Scott St John

Alderman, Ward 2
Virgil Nelson

In addition, Gregg Fromdahl and Tommy Gonzales were both appointed to their seats on the Nashua Town Council, so those two positions need to be fulfilled for the remaining two years of the terms. That means that all five members of Nashua’s Town Council are up for election, three for 4-year terms that will expire 12/31/2029 (Mayor and 2 council seats) and two for 2-year terms that will expire 12/31/2027 (2 council seats).

Opheim has the same situation; Coreen Schumacher and Les Redfield were both appointed to their current seats on the Opheim Town Council. Once again, those two positions are open for filing to fulfill the remaining two years of the terms. Like Nashua’s Town Council, all five members of Opheim’s Town Council are up for election this year, three for 4-year terms that will expire 12/31/2029 (Mayor and 2 council seats) and two for 2-year terms that will expire 12/31/2027 (2 council seats).

The Primary Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The Glasgow City Council removed consideration of an ordinance that would have prohibited the long-term parking and/or storage of recreational vehicles, utility trailers, or vessels in residential districts.

The council had the ordinance on the agenda for the May 19th meeting but removed it from the agenda before the meeting. The council did take public comment on the proposed ordinance.

Mayor Rod Karst said the ordinance needed some tweaking and public comment before the council would consider acting on it.

The Ordinance Committee of the city council will now take up the proposed ordinance to make changes proposed by the public.

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

Glasgow resident, Beau Malnaa was sentenced in State District Court last month after Judge Yvonne Laird ruled that he revoked his suspended sentence.

Malnaa originally was sentenced in June of 2024 on the count of Felony Sexual Abuse of a Child. The felony charged was the result of an offense that occurred between March and July of 2023 in Glasgow. Judge Laird sentenced Malnaa to the Montana Department of Corrections for a period of 20 years with all time suspended.

In March of 2025, the State of Montana alleged that Malnaa had violated the terms and conditions of the judgement.

On March 31st, Malnaa appeared in front of Judge Laird for an adjudication hearing and he admitted to all of the allegations that he had violated the terms and conditions of his suspended sentence.

Judge Laird held a disposition hearing on April 21st. She ruled that Malnaa was in violation of his suspended sentence and sentenced him to 20 years with the Montana Department of Corrections with 15 years suspended.

Malnaa will receive credit for 261 days against his sentence and Judge Laird recommended he be placed in the START program for screening and determinations for appropriate placement, followed by placement in a Pre-Release Center.

The START program offers an assessment/sanction center for adult males who have violated conditions of community placement including pre-release, parole, or probation.

Judge Laird also noted that she hopes Malnaa will receive treatment and counseling in a controlled environment which will help him return to the community and supervision where he can hopefully contribute to society in a positive manner.

As of last week, Malnaa was incarcerated in the Valley County Detention Center awaiting placement with the Montana Department of Corrections.

Superintendent of Public Instruction Susie Hedalen is proud to announce the successful rollout of House Bill 252, also known as the STARS Act. This legislation aims to strengthen Montana’s education system and communities by increasing teacher salaries, addressing housing costs, and expanding funding for work-based learning and dual credit student opportunities.

Since its rollout last week, 392 out of 417 local education agencies have submitted applications to participate in the initiative, demonstrating widespread support and commitment to strengthening Montana’s schools. All LEAs were contacted and provided support by the OPI. The OPI worked in collaboration with education partners to support and communicate with all schools throughout this process.

The Glasgow School District successfully submitted the application to participate in the STARS Act. With the passage of the legislation, the Glasgow School District was able to increase the starting teacher wage in the district to over $41,000 per year. The additional money allowed the school district to provide for a 7% increase in pay for teachers in the district. Other employees also received a 7% increase in pay for the 2025/2026 school year.

Superintendent Hedalen expressed her appreciation for the passage of HB 252, stating:

"The successful rollout of the STARS Act marks a critical step forward in addressing Montana’s teacher shortage while providing necessary incentives to raise the base pay for our educators. We are thrilled that 94% of the local education agencies have responded and submitted applications, demonstrating a strong commitment to strengthening our education system. The STARS Act is about more than raising teacher salaries, it’s about investing in the future of our communities. When students have access to quality teachers and real-world learning opportunities, families thrive, and local economies grow stronger. This legislation ensures our educators are supported and our students are prepared for life beyond graduation. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the lawmakers, Governor Greg Gianforte and education leaders who helped bring this vision to life."

The Superintendent extends appreciation to the OPI team for their swift and dedicated efforts in undertaking this significant implementation initiative, aligning seamlessly with the tight timeline for budget approvals.

HB 252 marks a significant milestone in Montana’s commitment to educational excellence. By focusing on teacher retention, practical career preparation for students, and support for local schools, the STARS Act represents a transformative effort to secure a brighter future for students across the state.

The Milk River Project, a critical irrigation artery along Montana’s Hi-Line that’s been dry for a year, is expected to return to service months ahead of schedule, officials confirmed this week.

Project managers are cautiously talking about restarting the siphon that feeds the system by late June, around the one-year anniversary of an infrastructure blowout that left more than 300 miles of the Milk River dry. The initial estimate for completion was September.

More than 18,000 Montanans rely on the irrigation project for drinking water. There are 140,000 acres of irrigated farmland along its canals. Farmers lost half the water necessary to make it through 2024 and face a similar rationing challenge this summer that will leave tens of thousands of acres dry much of the season.

“We’re all pushing for the 17th, that’s one year. But we should be back by the first part of July,” said Milk River Project manager Jennifer Patrick.

Tough decisions are still being made. Tuesday night, Malta area farmers chose to draw down Nelson Reservoir for spring irrigation, which will give crops a better start, but will leave fields dry later in the season.

Nelson is one of two reservoirs that cannot recharge without water from the Milk. Fresno Reservoir near Havre is the other reserve, and by far the largest. Water rationed from the reservoirs has backstopped townships and irrigators for 11 months, but 54,000 acres of farmland between the two have gone unirrigated and will remain dry for the near future.

Until the siphon comes online and the reservoirs can be recharged, water is extremely limited.

“The siphon is the issue because there’s no way to fill Fresno. They’re going to open the gates on Fresno, but it’s only going to last about 15 or 20 days,” said Marko Manoukian, a Malta area farmer who is part of the working group for rehabilitating the irrigation project.

The siphon at the heart of the Hi-Line crisis is part of a century-old mega-project that redirects water from the mountain-fed St. Mary River to the Milk, which, without the assist, would typically run dry six out of 10 years.

The St. Mary River water diverted near Babb would otherwise flow into Canada and the upper reaches of the Hudson Bay drainage basin. Instead, the Milk supplies water to a few small Canadian communities before crossing back into the United States and eventually merging with the Missouri River.

By car, the Milk River’s path stretches 352 miles from Babb to the outskirts of Fort Peck. Viewed from the air, the Milk is a noodling thread of endless oxbows with green fields emanating from its banks. Beyond the irrigation project’s reach, the landscape is beige, and it takes 10 acres or more to support one cow and her calf for a year. Hay grown in the irrigated area — about 3.5 tons per acre, according to Montana State University — fuels cattle operations across the area.

No one was surprised by the failure of the St. Mary’s siphon. The condition of its 8-foot-diameter pipes had been a concern for decades. Failures along other stretches had sidelined the infrastructure as recently as 2020, as deferred maintenance caught up with the project.

The rivets were still popping from the seams of the St. Mary siphon when Jennifer Patrick started crunching the numbers for repairing the century-old system that 18,000 residents of Montana’s Hi-Line depend on for water. It would take 3,600 feet of pipe so big men can walk through it without bumping their heads. They would need a new steel bridge across the St. Mary River and enough earth-moving equipment to restore a river channel completely buried beneath rocky soil eroded from the hillside where the siphon blew. They were short of one thing money couldn’t buy: time.

Funding for major repairs has been a constant challenge. The federal government paid for the project’s initial creation, but beneficiaries of the project have been expected to shoulder more of the cost over the years, with loans from state government, including $26 million for current work, contributing to expenses.

The federal government has committed roughly $52 million for repairs to the St. Mary’s siphon, and another $18 million for a siphon at Halls Coulee, Patrick said.

In January, President Donald Trump, through the Office of Management and Budget, paused all federal funding. The pause, which was rescinded after two days, sparked a month-and-a-half delay of federal spending on the Milk River Project, during which state funding was spent down to keep construction going.

There was a risk that money to pay contractors wouldn’t be there, Patrick said, but federal funding did resume.

What’s important, Patrick said, is that the Hi-Line towns that rely on the irrigation project for drinking water had adequate water throughout the crisis.

Farmers will continue to ration water for the growing season. Drought is a big concern, Manoukian said. The prairie was bare this winter. The entire stretch of the Milk River Irrigation Project is currently in moderate drought, he said, which could worsen with a dry spring.

The Glasgow School Board met in regular session on Thursday for their May meeting.

Action items:

Newly elected Trustee's Whitney Tatafu and Stan Ozark were sworn in by the Clerk of the Board Kelly Doornek.

Blaine White was elected Chairperson and Chrissa Nelson was elected Vice-Chair.

Kelly Doornek was appointed Clerk of the Board.

The board voted to hire two certified teachers. Ryley Kehr as health enhancement teacher at the GMS and Zach Handley as English teacher at GMS.

Heather Sager was hired to work in the administration office as Ap/Purchasing/School Food Specialist, Shelly Spencer as Prep Cook at GHS, Jordan Radakovich as a Secretary at Irle School and Eli Feezell as substitute teacher/Aide.

The board took up hiring coaches for the fall and winter sports season. Mike Erickson was officially hired as Athletic Director for the district, Tim Phillips as Head Cross Country Coach, Patrick Barnett as Head Football Coach, Somer Hoerster as Head Volleyball Coach and Jory Casterline as Head Wrestling Coach. Varsity Assistant Coaches along with Middle School and Skills coaches were also approved by the Glasgow School Board.

The board tabled the hiring of all basketball coaches for the winter sports season including Varsity Coaching Staffs, Middle School Coaches, Volunteer Coaches and Skills Coaches.

The board approved a resolution setting an obsolete/surplus sale resolution. Items in the sale will be available for purchase starting June 5th. There will be items from all three schools in the district.

Passed a resolution requesting Valley County to conduct the 2025/2026 school election.

Agreed to a employee health insurance renewal for 2025/2026 with Blue Cross/Blue Shield as the insurance provider.

The board agreed to contract agreements with the Glasgow Education Association, School District Principals, Superintendent and Leadership Team Members. The key component of the agreements is a 7% increase in base pay for the 2025/2026 school year.

All Glasgow School Board meetings are recorded and may be accessed here:

https://www.glasgow.k12.mt.us/page/school-board

A Wolf Point man accused of assaulting two individuals on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation admitted to charges Tuesday, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

The defendant, Philip Ray Azure, 22, pleaded guilty to two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon related to two separate incidents. Azure faces a term of imprisonment of ten years, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for September 24, 2025. Azure was detained pending further proceedings.

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

Doe was rushed to the hospital for treatment of his serious injuries. The stab wound pierced his lung, causing a partial collapse that caused blood, gas, and air to build in the space between his lungs and rib cage. Doe was airlifted to Billings for surgery. After surgery to repair his lung, Doe spent a week in the hospital before being discharged.

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

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

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

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

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

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

Tara Strommen, a 16-year employee of the Valley County District Court Clerk's Office, has been appointed by the Valley County Commissioners to the position of Clerk of District Court.

Long time Clerk of Court Shelly Bryan has announced she is retiring on June 1st. Bryan was just elected in November of 2024 to a 4-year term.

Tara Strommen has been an employee in the office for 16 years and was unanimously selected by the Valley County Commissioners.

The Clerk of Court position is an elected position and Strommen will have to be a candidate for the office in 2026 and go before the voters of Valley County to keep the elected position.

Gas prices are creeping back up just in time for the busy summer driving season. The national average for a gallon of regular is up 4 cents from last week, as the price of crude oil rises and demand goes up. Typically, the seasonal increase in gas prices starts earlier in the spring, but lower crude oil prices so far this year have kept that from happening. Now, we’re starting to settle in a more typical pattern. Despite the upward trend, drivers are paying about 40 cents less compared to last year, which is good news for the record 39.4 million Americans expected to take road trips over Memorial Day weekend.

Today’s National Average: 3.192

One Week Ago: 3.152

One Month Ago: 3.172

One Year Ago: 3.60

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.71 b/d last week to 8.79. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 225.7 million barrels to 224.7. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell 52 cents to settle at $63.15 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 4 million barrels from the previous week. At 441.8 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 California ($4.92), Hawaii ($4.49), Washington ($4.33), Nevada ($3.96), Oregon ($3.95), Alaska ($3.60), Illinois ($3.39), Arizona ($3.38), Utah ($3.30), and Idaho ($3.29).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.66), Tennessee ($2.71), Louisiana ($2.73), Alabama ($2.76), Texas ($2.80), South Carolina ($2.81), Arkansas ($2.81), Oklahoma ($2.82), Kansas ($2.85), and Missouri ($2.86).

Sullivan Park Trail users, be advised: a moose sighting has occurred along the trail. The X on the map indicates the location of the last reported sighting. Please take necessary precautions when using the trail.

The Valley County Commissioners will meet Wednesday at 10:30am for their weekly meeting.

The Glasgow Pool Committee and City of Glasgow regret to announce a six week delay in the opening of Parke Place Pool. Construction will pause to correct an oversight in the pool’s shallow end depth, shifting the grand opening to mid July, 2025.

Why the change?

Safety for young swimmers. The shallow end of the pool was originally set at five feet as a general standard. Concerns have been raised that a 5-foot depth is too deep for aqua tots and early swim lessons, making it difficult – and potentially unsafe – for children and instructors to stand. While the zero-depth entry, which gradually reaches 2.5 feet, is a great feature for young swimmers to play and explore, it is not suitable for structured aqua tots or swim lessons.

Permanent fix. Engineers will raise the shallow end by one foot and reinforce the floor with additional concrete and rebar. This adjustment will bring the shallow end to 4 feet and preserves deep water requirements for swim meets while creating a safer learning zone for beginners. The corrective work is budgeted at $85,123.77 and will be covered through existing contingency funds and ongoing fundraising.

“Delaying the opening is disappointing, but ensuring every swimmer—especially our youngest—has a safe place to learn is non negotiable,” said Jory Casterline, Director of Recreation. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we finish the pool the right way.”

Fundraising update
To date, $4,440,185 has been raised, leaving roughly $100,000 needed to fully finance the project. The pool committee is actively pursuing grants and community gifts and welcomes additional contributions to help carry this community effort across the finish line.

Stay informed
Committee members will discuss the update and answer questions on “Live Under the Big Sky,” 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 14 on KLTZ

Donor swim passes
Anyone who donated at a level qualifying for a complimentary swim pass will receive the full season pass for 2026. Because the 2025 season will be shortened, honoring passes next year ensures donors receive the complete benefit promised. Qualifying donors will be contacted directly with redemption details next year.

American Legion District 1 is having a Revitalization Event at the VFW Fri. May 16th from Noon – 7 p.m.

They are working to strengthen the Legion presence in District 1 & would love for you to be a part of it. All are welcome to stop by to meet with fellow veterans, learn more about The American Legion, & find out how they can help you.

A Service Officer will be present for any questions you may have. Whether you’re a longtime member or new to the area, come by & connect with your veteran community.

406 Workforce is a Workforce & Hospitality Training Program that equips you with a powerful thinking approach & workplace strategies from several perspectives.

This training will allow you to leave with concrete ideas & skills such as: understanding your circle of control & influence, choosing how to present yourself professionally, & more.

There are many locations & dates for this program: Glasgow date is Thursday, May 15th from 9 a.m. – noon at the Cottonwood Inn & Suites.

For more information such as dates & where to register, go to gndc.org.

With the assistance of the Williams County SWAT Team and the Northwest Crisis Negotiations Team, Ian Patrick Stewart, 36, has been taken into custody. He will be transported to the Williams County Correctional Center. Charges are pending.

Roads to Fort Union have been reopened, however the site remains closed through 5/14/2025, and the public are asked to continue to avoid the general area as the investigation is ongoing. There is no danger to the public.

The Williams County Sheriff's Office will provide a final update once charges are finalized.

Earlier:
The Williams County Sheriff's Office, alongside several other agencies, is involved in the ongoing response to a barricaded subject situation in the 15000 Block of Hwy 1804 in Buford Township.

The Northwest Crisis Negotiations Team is actively utilizing verbal crisis management techniques to de-escalate the subject, who is currently located within the Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site. Law enforcement was notified at approximately 8 am CT this morning for a call for service regarding a disturbance. The first responding Deputy arrived at 8:14 am; staff and visitors had safely vacated the property. The site, and the road to the site, remains closed. No injuries have been reported and there is no immediate danger to the surrounding area.

The National Weather Service is predicting much-needed rain throughout the area over the next few days. The best chance of heavier moisture is Wednesday.

KEY POINTS

Rain moves into the area tonight.

Heavy rain possible at times late tonight and Wednesday.

Possibility of flooding is low due to recent drought and dry ground. However, a locally heavy downburst could produce flash flooding.

Isolated thunderstorms possible on Wednesday.

Low confidence on rain forecast given recent model trend to over forecast rain amounts.

Showers continue Wednesday night and Thursday before the system exits the region Thursday night.

Gravel roads will likely become wet gumbo with the rain.

Press Release from Two Rivers Economic Growth

We’re excited to announce the recipients of the 2025 Valley County Storefront Beautification Grants and the Glasgow Downtown Signage Grants (sponsored by Prairie House Gardens)!

Storefront Beautification Grant Winners:
Triple A Glass
Pipers Bar & Casino
Rustic Lodge
Oo Shiny Fabrics

Downtown Signage Grant Winners:
The Buechler Agency
The Loaded Toad

These projects will bring fresh energy, improved curb appeal, and new signage to businesses across Valley County and downtown Glasgow.

We received a huge number of applications this year—thank you to every business that applied and to our amazing review committee for their thoughtful work!

Stay tuned for updates as these projects come to life!

WASHINGTON, May 12, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced several Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) enrollment opportunities for agricultural producers and landowners. USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) is accepting offers for both the General and Continuous CRP beginning today through June 6, 2025.

CRP, USDA’s flagship conservation program, celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. For four decades, CRP has provided financial and technical support to agricultural producers and landowners who place unproductive or marginal cropland under contract for 10-15 years and who agree to voluntarily convert the land to beneficial vegetative cover to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion and support wildlife habitat. The American Relief Act, 2025, extended provisions for CRP through Sept. 30, 2025.

“With 1.8 million acres available for all CRP enrollment this fiscal year, we are very aware that we are bumping up against the 27-million-acre statutory cap,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “Now more than ever, it’s important that the acres offered by landowners and those approved by USDA address our most critical natural resource concerns. With the limited number of acres that we have available, we’re not necessarily looking for the most acres offered but instead prioritizing mindful conservation efforts to ensure we maximize the return on our investment from both a conservation and economic perspective.”

General CRP (Signup 64)?

Agricultural producers and landowners submit offers for General CRP through a competitive bid process. Offers are ranked and scored, by FSA, using nationally established environmental benefits criteria. USDA will announce accepted offers once ranking and scoring for all offers is completed. In addition to annual rental payments, approved General CRP participants may also be eligible for cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.

Continuous CRP (Signup 63)

Unlike General CRP, Continuous CRP offers are not subject to a competitive bid process. To ensure enrolled acres do not exceed the current statutory cap of 27 million acres, FSA is accepting Continuous CRP offers on a first-come, first-served basis through June 6. However, should allotted CRP acreage remain available following the June 6 deadline, FSA will accept continuous CRP offers from interested landowners through July 31, 2025, and may be subsequently considered for acceptance, in batches, if it’s determined that the offered acres support USDA’s conservation priorities.

Continuous CRP participants voluntarily offer environmentally sensitive lands, typically smaller parcels than offered through General CRP including wetlands, riparian buffers, and varying wildlife habitats. In return, they receive annual rental payments and cost-share assistance to establish long-term, resource-conserving vegetative cover.

Continuous CRP enrollment options include:

State Acres for Wildlife Enhancement Initiative : Restores vital habitat in order to meet high-priority state wildlife conservation goals.

Highly Erodible Land Initiative : Producers and landowners can enroll in CRP to establish long-term cover on highly erodible cropland that has a weighted erodibility index greater than or equal to 20.

Clean Lakes, Estuaries and Rivers (CLEAR) Initiative : Prioritizes water quality practices on the land that, if enrolled, will help reduce sediment loadings, nutrient loadings, and harmful algal blooms. The vegetative covers also contribute to increased wildlife populations.

CLEAR30 (a component of the CLEAR Initiative): Offers additional incentives for water quality practice adoption and can be accessed in 30-year contracts.

Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program: Addresses high priority conservation objectives of states and Tribal governments on agricultural lands in specific geographic areas.

Grassland and Expiring CRP Acres

FSA will announce dates for Grassland CRP signup in the near future.

Additionally, landowners with acres enrolled in CRP set to expire Sept. 30, 2025, can offer acres for re-enrollment beginning today. A producer can offer to enroll new acres into CRP and also offer to re-enroll any acres expiring Sept. 30, 2025.

For more information on CRP participant and land eligibility, approved conservation practices and detailed program fact sheets, visit FSA’s CRP webpage.

More Information?

Interested producers should apply through the FSA at their local USDA Service Center.

Signed into law in 1985, CRP is one of the largest voluntary private-lands conservation programs in the United States. Originally intended to primarily control soil erosion and potentially stabilize commodity prices by taking marginal lands out of production, the program has evolved over the years, providing many conservation and economic benefits.???

FSA helps America’s farmers, ranchers and forest landowners invest in, improve, protect and expand their agricultural operations through the delivery of agricultural programs for all Americans. FSA implements agricultural policy, administers credit and loan programs, and manages conservation, commodity, disaster recovery and marketing programs through a national network of state and county offices and locally elected county committees. For more information, visit fsa.usda.gov.

HELENA – The Montana Lottery today released sports wagering data for the week ending May 10.
Handle: $1,222,773
Payout: $1,033,449
Gross Gaming Revenue: $189,324
Sales Agent Commissions: $36,683
The top three sports by percent of the total handle were:
Basketball (44.8%)
Baseball (32.5%)
Ice Hockey (11.3%)

The Montana Lottery’s sports wagering product, Sports Bet Montana, was launched after legislation passed in 2019 became law.

The Montana Lottery was created by a citizen's referendum in 1986. Since then, it has paid over $1.06 billion in prizes and returned approximately $361.3 million to the State of Montana and $104.5 million in sales agent commissions.

The Montana Department of Commerce on Friday will join Governor Greg Gianforte at the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale to unveil Montana’s new brand.

The public and media are encouraged to attend the launch event to celebrate the new brand and learn about the new direction of the state’s marketing efforts, which come 16 years since the previous brand launched.

The new brand will enable Commerce to share the stories and character of Montana's families, businesses, farms, ranches and communities promoting all the Treasure State has to offer.

The event will kick off a statewide tour to promote the new brand.

About 180 Williston-area students are isolating at home after three schools were notified by public health officials of measles exposure on their campuses.

Unvaccinated students at Missouri Ridge Elementary, Williston Middle School and Williston High School were told they need to isolate for 21 days to ensure they were not infected, said Paula Lankford, spokesperson for Williston Basin School District 7. The precaution is to prevent students from unknowingly spreading the virus to others.

Health officials on Tuesday confirmed nine cases of measles in Williams County in northwest North Dakota. Daphne Clark, spokesperson for the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, said the measles cases are considered part of an outbreak because health officials believe community spread is occurring without direct contact with known carriers of the illness.

Four people diagnosed with measles were in Williston schools while infectious, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services said.

The entire campuses of the affected schools were considered exposed, Lankford said.

The quarantine requirement affects some unvaccinated fourth grade students who were touring Williston Middle School on the day of the exposure, Lankford said. It also affects a few other students who don’t attend the affected schools but shared a bus ride with an exposed student, she said.

“Each of the schools is going to work with those families that are excluded to ensure that they have educational opportunities for their kids and connections with teachers through digital means,” Lankford said.

The Williston school district has a total enrollment of about 5,300 students.

Lankford encouraged parents, students or community members to contact their school or health care provider if they have questions.

“What’s obviously on our side is that there is not that much school left,” Lankford said. “We are done here on May 23rd.”

If Williston High School seniors under quarantine do not show any symptoms after their 21-day isolation, they will be allowed to participate in graduation commencement at the end of May, she said.

Of the confirmed cases, two are children under 10; five are between ages 10 and 19; one is between 30 and 39 and one is between 40 and 49, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. The first case reported Friday was a Williams County child who is believed to have contracted measles from an out-of-state visitor. All are people who were not vaccinated, health officials say.

The measles, mumps and rubella vaccination rate for Williams County kindergarten students is 81% for the 2024-25 school year, down from 87% two years ago, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. The rate is 95% for seventh graders and 97% for 11th graders. Public health officials say 95% is needed to prevent community spread.

“I feel like we maybe will be busy,” Clark said. “We’re fielding some phone calls today with people with questions, but you never know what that’ll look like when it actually becomes time.”

Clark said anyone experiencing cold symptoms or anyone who has been in contact with a carrier of the illness should not attend the vaccination clinic. Clark said those people should quarantine themselves for 21 days to prevent further spread of the disease.

“I think the biggest thing is, if they are a case contact or they are sick, don’t come to the clinic,” she said.

The vaccinations are not free of charge, she said, so clinic attendees will want to bring their private health insurance cards with them. Depending on their ages, those without health insurance could be eligible for reduced pricing through a state-funded vaccination program.

“I think there’s a lot of concern and I just recommend people go to trusted sites to get their information,” Clark said of community members who may be vaccine hesitant. She added the North Dakota Health and Human Services website is a good source for those looking for more information on the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines.

Those planning on attending the walk-in MMR vaccine clinic in Williston can fill out the organization’s immunization consent form ahead of time to speed up the process once they arrive. The form can be found on the Upper Missouri District Health Unit website.

CHI St. Alexius Health medical center in Williston also urged people with symptoms to stay home and call a health care provider prior to coming to the clinic. CHI needed to temporarily close its Williston walk-in clinic on Wednesday after a possible measles exposure was reported, according to a social media post by the health care provider.

Symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, eye irritation followed by a body-wide rash. For information about measles, vaccines or local clinic availability, contact the HHS Immunization Unit at 701-328-2378 or visit hhs.nd.gov/measles.

Health officials also urged anyone who visited the Williston Walmart between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on April 29 to monitor for symptoms and contact a health care provider if symptoms develop.

After a decade-long fight between Republican state lawmakers and members of Montana’s American Indian Caucus, the state of Montana — home to 12 tribes and seven reservations — will now recognize Indigenous Peoples Day.

Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte on May 9 signed Senate Bill 224 into law, making Indigenous Peoples Day an official state holiday, alongside Columbus Day, on the second Monday in October.

Sen. Shane Morigeau, D-Missoula and the bill’s sponsor, said the bill’s passage is “good for Montana.”

“This is about learning from one another and bringing each other together,” he told Montana Free Press. “It’s something we can take pride in. … We’re going to have a day where we can empower our youth and future generations in a positive way.”

Passing SB 224 was a top priority for Montana’s American Indian Caucus, a group of Native American lawmakers who work together to advance legislation they say is good for Indian Country. The bill’s passage is the latest example of the caucus’ success this session.

Dozens of people traveled to Helena to voice their support for the bill as it advanced through the Legislature. They argued that recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day promotes unity and encourages all Montanans to celebrate their own heritage.

In years past, supporters have said that celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day honors the state’s Native American population, instills pride in identity and encourages people to learn more about their neighbors.

While Indigenous Peoples Day is not a federal holiday, more than a dozen states and at least 200 cities — including Bozeman, Helena and Missoula — recognize the day. Former President Joe Biden in 2021 issued the first presidential proclamation recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day. In April, however, President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social that he is “bringing Columbus Day back.”

Morigeau said Trump’s post made him fear his bill wouldn’t be signed into law.

“I was worried,” he told Montana Free Press on Friday. “I prayed about it regularly. I smudged every day. And I was already gearing up to figure something out if that happened. … But we’ve tried to make this a Montana day that people could feel good about and proud of. It makes me happy that [Gianforte] saw that.”

Naomi Billedeaux, a Salish language instructor at Salish Kootenai College, told Montana Free Press in a recent interview that state recognition of Indigenous Peoples Day is an important step forward in dismantling stereotypes and promoting healing.

“(It’s) a continuation of respect for tribal relations and a way to create space for education from an Indigenous perspective,” she said.

Jennifer Jilot, a teacher at Arlee High School, traveled to Helena with her students to testify in support of the bill at a March committee hearing. State recognition of the holiday, she said, is “a big win.”

“So often, we are ignored,” she told Montana Free Press. “We’re on the backburner. People don’t acknowledge us or don’t think we exist or don’t understand our contributions. … We contributed to the world. And that needs to be taught in our schools. That needs to be recognized by our government. And I’m tired of having to explain to people how we are still here.”

Olivia Adams, a senior at Arlee High School and citizen of the Blackfeet Nation, wrote her testimony on the two-hour bus ride to Helena. She urged lawmakers to recognize the holiday, saying it offers “a chance to celebrate the resilience and strength of Indigenous communities.”

“I was definitely nervous,” Adams later told Montana Free Press. “But I knew I was doing something good for my people. I have role models in my family. My great-grandfather was Chief Earl Old Person. He fought for our people, and I want to do that, too.”

While the bill establishing Indigenous Peoples Day sailed through the state Legislature this session, past attempts have been anything but smooth. Indigenous lawmakers in Montana have proposed similar legislation for a decade with no success.

Through the years, lawmakers have cited different reasons for their opposition to establishing the state-recognized holiday in October. Some took issue with past legislation that would have eliminated Columbus Day, arguing that Christopher Columbus is an important historical figure. Last legislative session in 2023, lawmakers criticized bill sponsor Morigeau for speaking about the atrocities Columbus committed against Native Americans when he advocated for a similar bill.

Marsha Small, co-founder of Indigenous Peoples Day Montana, said she has testified at the last six legislative sessions in support of establishing the holiday.

“It’s been a long journey,” she told Montana Free Press in a recent interview. “A bumpy ride.”

Through the years, Small said she and other advocates employed different strategies when trying to convince lawmakers of the legislation’s importance.

“In the early years, it just felt like us against them,” she recalled. “It was a lot of ugly words. Racism. Prejudice.”

Later, Small said supporters cited tribal sovereignty as a reason why the holiday should be state-recognized. Other testimony centered on Columbus’ violence against Native Americans. Some argued the holiday encourages education and connection.

The winning strategy, she said, was one of inclusion. Supporters this year told law makers that Indigenous Peoples Day is meant to celebrate all Montanans, no matter where they come from. Small, who can’t wait to attend celebrations next October, said the holiday will bring people together.

“This is how we heal,” she added.

The Glasgow School Board will meet Thursday at 6pm for the regular May meeting. The meeting will be held at the Gary F. Martin Board room in the Central Office building.

In the lull between spring travel and the kick-off to summer, gas demand slid week over week, dropping the national average three cents to land at $3.15. OPEC+ (the group of oil-producing countries) announced Saturday that it will increase output again in June, widening the supply surplus, which could cause crude prices to continue to fall. This means road trippers would see lower prices at the pump this summer. The national average is nearly 49 cents less than it was one year ago today.

Today’s National Average: $3.14
One Week Ago: $3.18
One Month Ago: $3.23
One Year Ago: $3.640

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand decreased from 9.09 million b/d last week to 8.71. Total domestic gasoline supply slightly increased from 225.5 million barrels to 225.7. Gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.7 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.02 to settle at $-58.07 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories decreased by 2 million barrels from the previous week. At 438.4 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 7% below the five-year average for this time of year.

State Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.82), Hawaii ($4.49), Washington ($4.26), Oregon ($3.90), Nevada ($3.89), Alaska ($3.60), Illinois ($3.43), Pennsylvania ($3.30), Idaho ($3.30), and Utah ($3.30).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.64), Louisiana ($2.70), Oklahoma ($2.73), Arkansas ($2.74), Alabama ($2.75), Tennessee ($2.75), Texas ($2.76), South Carolina ($2.77), Missouri ($2.82), and Kansas ($2.83).

Story credit to Northern Plains Independent:

The grand marshals for the 2025 Wolf Point Wild Horse Stampede are a couple who have spent most of their lives around rodeos.

Roger and Ruby Nygaard have been selected for the honor. The Wild Horse Stampede is scheduled for July 10-12.

Ruby shares that Roger’s uncle was the famed Marvin Brookman, who is a member of the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame and the Stampede stadium is named after him. “We’ve been going to rodeos since we were babies,” Ruby said.

Roger grew up on a ranch about seven miles west of Wolf Point. Ruby was raised about 20 miles north of Wolf Point, they met through a cousin when they were attending high school in Wolf Point.

They were each member of a roping club. At one rodeo, Roger was asked to serve as a pickup man. That opportunity turned into him serving in that

role for rodeos in the area including Poplar and Culbertson.

Roger enjoyed success in many Wolf Point Wild Horse races during the 1980s and 1990s. “We have several trophies, and he won about three belt buckles,” Ruby said.

He even attracted national attention in the late 1990s when National Geographic magazine covered Montana’s rodeos including the 75th Stampede. Pictured was Roger getting medical attention after a horse kicked him in the head during a wild horse race. His team, where Roger served as the anchor, won the buckle that night. He was later interviewed by the magazine for the story.

“I guess he’s a celebrity,” Ruby teases.

Ruby, meanwhile, served as a timer for Brookman Rodeo for many years. A highlight was timing at the circuit finals in Great Falls from 2008-2017.

Locally, they served on the Stampede committee for about 10 years. Roger helped out in many different areas. Ruby’s organized the three days of parade and the flag bearers for the Stampede.

They still enjoy attending the Stampede and re-connecting with many of their rodeo family members.

“Through rodeo, we met a lot of nice people. Everybody is like family,” Ruby said.

They have two granddaughters in Miles City who compete in barrel racing at the high school level. A grandson used to ride bulls until too many injuries were suffered.

Favorite events include saddle bronc riding.

“Roger likes the wild horse racing,” Ruby added. “He always gives them tips.”

She said that Roger still threatens to enter one more wild horse race. “He even said that he would get in the 100th, I said ‘no, you aren’t.’” The couple is hopeful that some family members will come celebrate the Stampede this summer, and they appreciate being selected the grand marshals.

“It’s a very big honor,” Ruby said.

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. April runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 1.4 million acre-feet, 48% of average.

“Runoff into the reservoir system was below average for the month of April, and runoff was below average in all reaches,” said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Missouri River Basin Water Management Division. “Drought or abnormally dry conditions are currently present in 75% of the basin, and conditions have worsened in the Fort Peck reach and parts of the Garrison reach in the last month. As a result, the runoff forecast was lowered by 1.9 MAF from last month.”

The 2025 calendar year runoff forecast above Sioux City is 20.0 MAF, 78% of average. The runoff forecast is based on current soil moisture conditions, mountain snowpack, and long-term precipitation and temperature outlooks.

The volume of water stored in the Missouri River Mainstem Reservoir System is currently 50.4 MAF, 5.7 MAF below the top of the carryover multiple use zone.

Fort Peck releases will be increased to 10,500 cfs in mid-May. Garrison releases will be increased to 24,000 cfs around mid-May. Releases are expected to stay at those rates through the summer.

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 Snowpack:

The mountain snowpack was below normal and peaked earlier than normal. The Fort Peck reach peaked at 92% of average on April 5 and 69% of the 2025 peak remained on May 4. The Garrison reach peaked at 95% of average on April 5 and 84% of the 2025 peak remains. Mountain snow normally peaks near April 17. The mountain snowpack graphics can be viewed at: http://go.usa.gov/xARQC.

Fort Peck Dam
Average releases past month – 6,700 cfs
Current release rate – 9,000 cfs
Forecast average release rate – 10,500 cfs
End-of-April reservoir level – 2227.6 feet
Forecast end-of-May reservoir level – 2227.3 feet

Hydropower:

The six mainstem power plants generated 727 million kWh of electricity in April. Typical energy generation in April is 695 million kWh. Forecast generation for 2025 is 8.6 billion kWh compared to the long-term average of 9.4 billion kWh.

The Valley County Community Foundation is currently taking applications for the Clarence and Charlotte Fuhrman Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship is for any Valley County High School graduates, OR residents who have resided in Valley County for three or more consecutive years who are seeking a secondary education.

Application requirements include community involvement, established monetary need, and have completed a minimum of one year of secondary education while maintaining a minimum of a 2.8 GPA.

For more information or to apply online, please visit our website at https://valleycountycf.net/. No physical applications will be accepted. All applications will be completed online.

The online deadline for the Fuhrman Memorial Scholarship is June 15, 2025.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reporting five additional measles cases in Williams County, bringing the state’s total to nine cases in 2025. All newly confirmed individuals were unvaccinated and had no reported contact with previously identified cases. These individuals are currently isolating at home as recommended to help limit further spread.

Members of the public who were present at the following Williston location during the date and times below may have been exposed. Those individuals are encouraged to monitor for symptoms and contact a healthcare provider if symptoms develop.

Exposure location:

Williston Walmart on April 29 between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Four individuals diagnosed with measles were in Williston schools while infectious. In accordance with North Dakota Century Code 23-07-17, unvaccinated students should be excluded from school for 21 days following exposure. Staff without documentation of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination or who were not born before 1957 should also be excluded. In addition to being excluded from school, all unvaccinated staff and children in these schools should remain at home and monitor for symptoms. Below is a list of affected schools and dates of exclusion.

Schools affected and dates of exclusion are as follows:

Missouri Ridge Elementary: May 7 - May 23
Williston Middle School: May 7 - May 21
Williston High School: May 7 - May 21

HHS, in coordination with the Upper Missouri District Health Unit, is working closely with the schools to notify families, provide education, and offer guidance.

“Due to the current measle outbreak, please isolate at home if you have symptoms of runny nose, fever, cough and rash,” said Dr. Beverly Tong, Upper Missouri District Health Unit deputy director. “Isolation should continue until at least four full days after the onset of a rash. Time from exposure to onset of rash is generally around seven to 21 days and you can spread measle up to four days prior to the time the rash appears. Please contact your health care provider’s office if you wish to be tested, they will instruct you on when and where to arrive at their clinic to minimize risk to others.”

Because some of the new cases are not linked to earlier known exposures, there is concern about potential community transmission. As a precaution, HHS recommends that all residents and travelers to Williams County ensure they are vaccinated against measles. This includes consideration of early MMR vaccination for infants aged 6 through 11 months. (Note: Infants under 6 months are not eligible for the vaccine.)

Early MMR vaccination is recommended for older children visiting or residing in Williams County as well. Children ages 12 months and older should receive their first dose of MMR if they have not already, followed by a second dose at least 28 days later. Children who have already received two post-12-month doses of MMR are considered fully vaccinated.

Adults born before 1957 are generally presumed immune due to natural exposure. Those born in 1957 or later living or visiting Williams County should ensure they have received two documented doses of MMR. Individuals unsure of their vaccination status are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider.

Here are the UNOFFICIAL results of the 2025 Special District and School District elections that were held in Valley County on May 6, 2025:

Valley View Home Hospital District Levy
Votes issued 4,445
Votes returned 2,378
Voter turnout 53.5%

For votes 1,610
Against votes 759
Over votes 1
Under votes 8

Glasgow City-County Library Levy
Votes issued 4,445
Votes returned 2,378
Voter turnout 53.5%

For votes 1,646
Against votes 716
Over votes 0
Under votes 16

Hinsdale School District No. 7A & 7C
Votes issued 260
Votes returned 169
Voter turnout 65%

Trustee – 3-Year Term
Kent Hubbard 122
Sherri Idler 125
Amy Rutherford 46
Under vote 45

Trustee – 2-Year Term
Justin Strommen 151
Write-In 2
Under vote 16

Lustre Elementary School District No. 23
Votes issued 107
Votes returned 62
Voter turnout 57.9%

General Fund Levy
For votes 40
Against votes 22

Building Reserve Levy
For votes 46
Against votes 16

These results are unofficial until after the Canvass.

Starting May 7, the Transportation Security Administration will no longer consider state-issued driver licenses and identification cards without a Real ID certification to be sufficient for boarding commercial flights, a long-delayed policy shift that could cause headaches for Montana travelers.

According to the TSA website, several other forms of identification will be accepted in lieu of Real IDs, including passports, U.S. passport cards, U.S. Department of Defense IDs, permanent resident cards and some IDs issued by federally recognized tribal nations.

It’s unclear exactly how the TSA will enforce the new policy, which will also apply to entry to federal facilities such as military bases and federal courthouses.

The TSA says that passengers without a Real ID should “expect to face delays, additional screening and the possibility of not being permitted into the security checkpoint.” The agency said in January that it will take a “phased approach” to implementation with the goal of full enforcement by May 5, 2027.

As of April 30, 34% of Montanans had Real IDs, according to Montana Department of Justice spokesperson Emilee Cantrell.

Cantrell said that the state department of motor vehicles, which issues drivers licenses, has seen an uptick in Real ID appointments but currently has openings six to seven days out. She also said that the department is offering extended hours and Saturday appointments in some areas to help manage the application uptick.

Acquiring a Real ID requires more documentation than traditional identification cards, along with a $25 surcharge. TSA acting administrator Adam Stahl, said in an April statement that “the Real ID requirement bolsters safety by making fraudulent IDs harder to forge, thwarting criminals and terrorists.”

Congress first passed the Real ID requirement in 2005 as a response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Montana and other states pushed back against the Federal policy, resulting in a series of delays that have postponed implementation by roughly 20 years.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is developing a new Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan and is looking for public feedback through a series of workshops that will give people a chance to ask questions of FWP staff and share their opinions on key mule deer management concepts. This is part of the scoping process.

“One of our guiding principles is to maximize the opportunity for public input of all stakeholders and the workshops show our commitment to transparency of agency decisions and rationale,” FWP Director Christy Clark said. “Simply said, the more input from the public, the better.”

The new Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan will reflect public concerns FWP has heard over the past several years, as well as the latest science and research around mule deer numbers and management. The new plan will provide more comprehensive guidance for FWP as it manages mule deer and include strategies and information on management concepts that address hunting harvest, mule deer habitat conservation and herd health.

Public input is vital to ensure the management plan’s strategies reflect public concerns and opinion.
FWP’s goal is to manage for the long-term welfare of Montana’s mule deer resource and provide hunting opportunities that reflect the dynamic nature of deer populations. Through these public workshops, FWP will get a clearer understanding of what the public wants to see in the Statewide Mule Deer Management Plan, which will help us achieve this goal.

FWP will host public workshops around the state. Each workshop will have breakout group discussions led by FWP staff.

• May 12, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 3 Headquarters Office, 1400 South 19th, Bozeman
• May 13, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 2 Headquarters Office, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula
• May 14, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 1 Headquarters Office, 490 North Meridian Road, Kalispell
• May 19, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 5 Headquarters Office, 2300 Lake Elmo Drive, Billings
• May 20, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 7 Headquarters Office, 352 1-94 Business Loop, Miles City
• May 21, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 6 Headquarters Office, 1 Airport Road, Glasgow
• May 22, 5:30-8 p.m. – Region 4 Headquarters Office, 4600 Giant Springs road, Great Falls

Mule deer population overview

Over the past several years, mule deer populations in Montana have fluctuated, and in many areas declined. The three main drivers for mule deer populations are weather, habitat and disease.
Declining and fluctuating mule deer numbers have concerned both hunters and FWP staff. Assessing the population statewide is complicated. Not every part of the state has the same set of challenges. However, persistent drought and the broadening impacts of chronic wasting disease seem to be widespread.

“It’s a challenge to assess the current state of mule deer through a statewide lens,” FWP Game Management Bureau Chief Brian Wakeling said. “That’s why it’s so important we get input from the public in each region throughout our state in order to compile a comprehensive plan.”

The following graphics reflect the changes in mule deer population at a regional level over time.

Note: 2025 mule deer population estimates will be available later this spring.

As of Monday morning, May 5, 2025, here are some election statistics:

Valley View Home Hospital District and Glasgow City-County Library Levy Election
4,443 ballots issued, 2,057 accepted 46.3% turnout

Hinsdale School Trustee Election
260 ballots issued, 136 accepted 52.3% turnout

Lustre School Levy Election
106 ballots issued, 52 accepted 49.1% turnout

Ballots must be received in the Election Office (Clerk and Recorder’s Office) at the Valley County Courthouse by 8 pm tomorrow, May 6, 2025. Late registration closed at noon today but will be open again election day from 7 am to 8 pm.

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital (FMDH) is proud to announce its recognition as a 2025 Montana Top Workplace by Lee Enterprises. This esteemed award is based entirely on employee feedback collected through a confidential survey administered by Energage, LLC, a leading employee engagement technology partner. The survey evaluates various aspects of workplace culture, including employees feeling respected and supported, opportunities for growth, and empowerment to execute their roles effectively.

"Earning a Top Workplaces award is a badge of honor for companies, especially because it comes authentically from their employees," said Eric Rubino, CEO of Energage. "That's something to be proud of. In today's market, leaders must ensure they're allowing employees to have a voice and be heard. That's paramount. Top Workplaces do this, and it pays dividends."

This marks the third consecutive year FMDH has received this honor, underscoring the hospital's commitment to fostering a positive and nurturing work environment. Established in 1911, FMDH serves approximately 30,000 patients annually in rural Northeast Montana. The hospital offers a range of services, including primary care, specialty clinics, and advanced surgical procedures, ensuring that high-quality healthcare is accessible close to home.

"We are incredibly proud to have been named a top workplace for the third consecutive year," said Nickolas Dirkes, CEO of FMDH. "This achievement reflects the unwavering commitment of our staff to provide exceptional care and support for our community. At Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, we strive to create a positive and nurturing work environment, where every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference."

The Top Workplaces program, powered by Energage, has been recognizing outstanding organizations for over 19 years, based on data from millions of employees across various industries. Recognition is solely determined by employee feedback, ensuring an authentic representation of the workplace culture.

For more information about Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital and its services, please visit www.fmdh.org.

Story credit to Glasgow Courier

The Valley Community Emergency Food Bank is currently seeking donations from the community after the federal government eliminated the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) at the end of March. TEFAP is a federal program that helps supplement the Montana Food Bank Network, which distributes food to 330 partnering food banks and other organizations, including the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank. The federal program was initially set up to move nutritious food from farms to food banks. According to the Montana Food Bank Network’s Facebook page, they will lose more than $400,000 worth of food as a result of the elimination of the program.

The Valley Community Emergency Food Bank utilized the TEFAP program to obtain a variety of food including blueberries, cranberries, cherries, applesauce and a variety of nuts. The program also provided the Food Bank with meats such as pork or beef, which helped the non-profit organization immensely as a result of the cost of purchasing these specific items at the grocery store.

During the month of March, the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank spent a total of $5,794.75 with $1,344.16 of that being from TFAP. “About 23 percent of the total dollar amount that we have spent was provided by TEFAP,” said Patrick Gilchrist, a board member of the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank. “We need to work with the community to do one of two things: we need to supplement that loss by increasing our donations, or we have to decrease the amount of food that we are giving out.”

During distribution day, which is the third Tuesday of each month, the volunteers at the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank hands out a paper bag worth of groceries, with a variety of items. These items are obtained from community donations, both monetary and product, donations by the local grocery stores as well as from the Montana Food Bank Network. During the month of March, a total of 177 bags were handed out to 155 households. The number of children served were 70, the number of adults served were 101 and the number of seniors served were 100 with a total of 271 Valley County residents utilizing the service that month. In the year 2024, 1,952 households utilized the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank.

“Year to year we are seeing an increase [in people using the Food Bank]. It’s because people are hurting. The price of groceries is high. Life is high. People need this help,” stated Gilchrist. “This is a very much needed, very important part of our community.”

While the board is dealing with the loss of this federal funding, they are still in the midst of continuing to work on plans to move forward with a new building in order to better serve the people they help. At the end of 2024, a total of $26,000 was raised to help seed the new building fund, and the board would prefer not to have to utilize that money to offset the federal cuts. “We don’t want to have to make those decisions. We try really hard to focus on what people’s intentions were so if somebody gives us money for food, it goes to food. If they give us money for the new building, it goes to the new building,” explained Gilchrist. However, if funding continues to get cut, the board might have to make some tough decisions in order to continue to help the communities they serve.

Gilchrist stressed that right now, donations of all kinds, if feel so inclined, is the best way to help the Valley Community Emergency Food Bank right now. Donation boxes are located at St. Raphael’s Parish Center, the First Lutheran Church, the Evangelical Church, Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital, Reynolds, Albertsons, and at all three Glasgow schools, Irle Elementary, Glasgow Middle School, and Glasgow High School. Monetary donations can be mailed to P.O. Box 63, Glasgow.

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

Release from Glasgow High School:

We had five entries receive Superior ratings with perfect scores!
Glasgow Swing Choir Ensemble
Glasgow Swing Choir Women
Gabe Proctor, Jorden Mix, Jourdyn Fercho Trio
Annika Smith Solo
Jorden Mix Solo

The following soloists earned superior ratings:
James Pearson
Gabe Proctor
Aaron Mickelson, Voice
Aaron Mickelson, Piano
Vick Overbey
Amber Pearson
Joseph Hall
Amelia Gilchrist
Mylee Rasmusan
Aspen Probert

The following Ensembles earned superior ratings:
Scottie Men’s Group (from both GHS choirs)
Gabe Proctor and Vick Overbey Duet
Amber Pearson, Aspen Probert. Jorden Mix and Jourdyn Fercho quartet
Aaron Mickelson and Joseph Hall Duet
Aspen Probert and Mylee Rasmusan Duet
The following entries earned excellent ratings:
Amber Pearson and Jovee Morehouse Duet
Jourdyn Fercho Solo

Come see these talented kids put on a great show. The Spring Swing Choir Fundraiser Show is May 29th at 7:00 pm at the Elk’s lodge.

Message from Army Corps of Engineers in Fort Peck:

The USACE Fort Peck primitive campgrounds remain open!

This summer the public may notice reduced staff availability, longer response times and decreased frequency of litter pickup and maintenance due to staffing constraints.

he Downstream Campground (MT, not ND) and West End Tent & Trailer opened May 1, 2025.
Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance for the Downstream Campground. Reservations can only be made on the same day you arrive at West End Tent & Trailer. Make an account on www.recreation.gov and plan your trip. You can also make reservations by calling 1-877-444-6777.
Primitive campgrounds are first-come first serve and are open year-round.

Please do your part to leave your campsite clean and ready for the next camper. Make sure campfires are cold when you leave. If you witness vandalism, or see resource issues, please call the Fort Peck Natural Resource office at 406-526-3411.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG:
Hit Broadway Comedy opens Fort Peck Summer Theatre’s 56th Season

Opening night of the 2025 season is May 23, with The Play That Goes Wrong continuing through June 8.

When the accident prone, inept troop of actors attempts to perform a complicated 1920s murder mystery play, chaos breaks loose. Actors forget lines, set pieces collapse and equipment tumbles. Everything that can possibly go wrong does so, to hilarious effect, ending in complete, total, happy disarray.

The Play That Goes Wrong is directed by Trey Compton, who returns after helming FPST’s Misery and One Man Two Guvnors. Known for its complex design challenges, the team is led by designers Paige O’Neill, Brittany Archambeault and Debra Griebel.

Glasgow native Christen Etchart stars as Sandra, alongside returning company members Mace Archer (previously seen in FPST’s The Woman in Black), FPST Artistic Director Andy Meyers, Jay Michael Roberts, Jenny Smith and Jarret Buchholz. Stephen Alan Seder and Christopher Puckett make their FPST debuts in this side-splitting comedy.

For Tickets and info 406-526-9943 or visit fortpecktheatre.org

Following The Play Goes Wrong, the 2025 Season continues with:
• Rock of Ages: June 13 – June 29
• Annie: July 5 – July 20
• Disney’s Newsies: July 25 – August 10
• WORLD PREMIER: Dracula: August 15 – August 31

Source: Billings Gazette
On Tuesday, two people pleaded not guilty to accusations of killing a man on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation earlier this year.

Abrianne Lillian Deserly and Calvin Florin Lester each were indicted in U.S. District Court on a count of second-degree murder. They were two of four people apprehended in the days after the body of Gifford Standing was found in an abandoned building in Wolf Point.

Officials determined the death of the 47-year-old was a homicide, and on February 26th the Fort Peck Tribes Department of Law and Justice, the FBI and Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office launched an investigation. Within a week four suspects had been arrested, including Deserly (24) and Lester (35).

HELENA, Mont. – Joining House Speaker Brandon Ler, R-Savage, legislators, and Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Director Sonja Nowakowski, Governor Greg Gianforte today signed into law five bills to reform the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to protect the environment, cut red tape, and provide certainty to businesses and Montana’s energy sector.
 
“Last year, the Montana Supreme Court issued a series of rulings that if left unchecked would have impacted Montana’s energy sector at time when Americans have seen electricity costs soar nearly 30 percent in the last four years,” Gov. Gianforte said. “This package of legislation reduces red tape and provides certainty to small and large businesses across our state.

Passed by the Montana Legislature in 1971, MEPA is the framework DEQ and other state agencies use to review the potential impacts of their actions and decisions.
 
Agencies follow the process outlined in MEPA to research impacts and disclose them to the public in environmental review documents. These documents, which typically take the form of environmental assessments or environmental impact statements, provide a comprehensive review of the potential impact proposed projects may have on the environment.
 
“These are common sense next steps, in fact very big next steps for DEQ,” Director Nowakowski said. “With the legislature’s work on these bills, which the governor has now signed into law, DEQ can now engage in a broader conversation with private sector and stakeholders to uphold our mission while also providing certainty to businesses across our state.”
 
Standing with legislators, Gov. Gianforte signed into law five bills reforming the MEPA process to clarify the state’s responsibilities under the law in light of recent court decisions. 
 
“It was truly a great session when it came to MEPA reform,” Speaker Ler said. “With the signing of this MEPA reform package, we’re making it clear that Montana’s environmental policy is about informed decision making, and not weaponizing and litigation.”
 
House Bill 285, sponsored by Speaker Ler, reaffirms the purpose of environmental reviews is procedural in nature and is to share information with policymakers and the public.
 
Ler added, “In the Held v. Montana case, they tried to twist MEPA into something it was never meant to be – a tool to deny permits and block development. House Bill 285 sets the record straight: MEPA procedural, it’s a way to gather facts, weigh impacts, and make informed decisions – not dictate them.”
 
House Bill 270, sponsored by Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, clarifies that courts may not vacate permits without properly considering a number of factors in law, including impacts to Montana’s economy and the public interest.
 
House Bill 291, sponsored by Rep. Greg Oblander, R-Billings, makes it clear that the State of Montana cannot adopt air quality standards that are stricter than the federal government’s, except in specific circumstances.
 
House Bill 466, sponsored by Rep. John Fitzpatrick, R- Anaconda, outlines that projects that are exempt from National Environmental Policy Act are also exempt from MEPA, reducing burdensome red tape and potentially duplicative processes.
 
Lastly, Senate Bill 221, sponsored by Senator Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, clearly states what impacts are required to be included in MEPA assessments and directs DEQ to develop guidance for use by state agencies.
 
The governor concluded, “These bills come as part of our shared commitment to reducing red tape, expediting permitting, and making Montana the best place for business. Today stands as an example of what we can do when we work together, and I’m grateful to the Legislature for its leadership.”
 

406 Workforce - A Workforce & Hospitality Training Program that Equips you with a powerful thinking approach and workplace strategies from several perspectives. This training will allow you to leave with concrete ideas and skills such as understanding your circle of control and influence, choosing how to present yourself professionally, and more.

The Glasgow program will be May 15th at the Convention Center of the Cottonwood Inn from 9 a.m. until noon. For more information and other area dates visit gndc.org.

College Station, T.X., April 29, 2025 – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins today announced a second round of payments coming this week for specialty crop producers through the Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program, providing up to $1.3 billion in additional program assistance.

U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) already delivered just under $900 million in first round payments to eligible producers.

BILLINGS, Mont. – The Bureau of Land Management Montana-Dakotas State Office leased 11 parcels totaling 4,266.06 acres for $3,413,797 in total receipts for its quarterly oil and gas lease sale. The combined bonus bids and rentals from the leases will be distributed between the federal government and the States of Montana and North Dakota.

Oil and gas lease sales support domestic energy production and American energy independence, while contributing to the nation’s economic and military security. Consistent with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” the BLM's lease sales help meet the energy needs of U.S. citizens and solidify the nation as a global energy leader long into the future.

Leasing is the first step in the process to develop federal oil and gas resources. The BLM ensures oil and gas development meets the requirements set forth by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and other applicable legal authorities.

Oil and gas leases are awarded for a term of 10 years and as long thereafter as there is production of oil and gas in paying quantities. The federal government receives a royalty of 16.67 percent of the value of production. Information on current and upcoming BLM leases is available through the National Fluid Lease Sale System.

BLM lease sales are held online through EnergyNet. Results are available on the National Fluid Lease Sale System. After navigating to the page, filter to the sale, and select the action “View Sale Documents” to view the sale results.

(Pictured: 2024 Ranch Tour) Explore working lands, share ideas, and build connections at the Hammond and Murdock Ranches.

The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance invites you to join us for a day of stewardship, innovation, and community during the North Phillips County Ranch Tour on Monday, June 16, 2025. Registration is now open at www.RanchStewards.org/events. This free event welcomes anyone with an interest in working lands, conservation, and rural communities. While there is no cost to attend, a suggested donation of $40 is appreciated to help cover event expenses.

Throughout the day, participants will tour and learn from the Hammond Ranch and the Murdock Ranch, two operations that showcase the diverse management practices and stewardship approaches found in North Phillips County. Conversations will cover topics including water systems, added enterprises, grazing systems, cropland conversion to grass, cropland grazing, managing challenging topography, hunting, farm and ranch management, geology, and archaeology — and will even include a visit to a local fossil site. The tour promises hands-on learning and peer-to-peer conversations designed to leave attendees with practical ideas and fresh inspiration.

This event will highlight the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance’s commitment to stewardship in three areas:
• Stewardship of Ranchers: We aim to showcase ranchers sharing knowledge, build networks, stimulate conversations, and honor traditions while providing valuable education from peer to peer.
• Stewardship of Working Lands: We will explore how responsible management practices contribute to a resilient landscape, balancing economic, ecological, and even archaeological responsibilities.
• Stewardship of Community: We will deepen ties among neighbors, make new introductions, and celebrate the network of people tied together by their interest in working lands — including those not directly involved in production agriculture who seek to expand their knowledge and connections within the rural landscape.

“This tour will offer something for everyone — ranchers, community members, conservationists, and anyone passionate about the stewardship of our lands and rural places,” said Mary Oxarart, Ranchers Stewardship Alliance Education Program Manager.

More information, including the full agenda and start times, will be released soon. In the meantime, visit www.RanchStewards.org/events to register and secure your spot!

The national average for a gallon of regular is slightly higher than a week ago and 5 cents higher than a month ago. An increase in demand – as the weather gets nicer and more people get out and about – is pushing prices up slightly. But at $3.16, the national average remains well below what drivers were paying this time last year. That’s because the price of crude oil is on the lower side at $62 a barrel compared to $82 a barrel one year ago.

Today’s National Average: $3.16

One Week Ago: $3.167

One Month Ago: $3.13

One Year Ago: $3.65

In Montana, the average price is $3.16 per gallon and in Valley County the average price is $3.11.

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gasoline demand increased from 8.46 million b/d last week to 9.41. Total domestic gasoline supply decreased from 234.0 million barrels to 229.5. Gasoline production increased last week, averaging 10.1 million barrels per day.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI fell $1.40 to settle at $62.27 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.2 million barrels from the previous week. At 443.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 5% below the five-year average for this time of year.

State Stats

Gas

The nation’s top 10 most expensive gasoline markets are California ($4.80), Hawaii ($4.51), Washington ($4.28), Oregon ($3.92), Nevada ($3.87), Alaska ($3.64), Illinois ($3.42), Arizona ($3.37), Pennsylvania ($3.35), and Idaho ($3.32).

The nation’s top 10 least expensive gasoline markets are Mississippi ($2.68), Oklahoma ($2.71), Texas ($2.74), Louisiana ($2.75), Alabama ($2.78), Tennessee ($2.79), South Carolina ($2.80), Arkansas ($2.80), Kentucky ($2.83), and Kansas ($2.83).

Glasgow High School JMG (Jobs for Montana's Graduates) competed well at their state conference, and walked away with 18 awards including our Glasgow JMG Chapter receiving the statewide Excellence in Performance Award of the year!

Listed below are students who placed in their competitions;

Ellie Tryan = 1st place in Decision Making in Junior Division

Triniti Anderson = 1st place in Decision Making in Senior Division, and 1st place in Telephone Technique in Senior Division

Niyoka Harris = 1st place in Critical Thinking in Junior Division

Saryn Riddick = 1st place in Talent Show, and 2nd place in Public Speaking

Jorden Mix = 1st place in Webpage Design, 2nd place in Photo Contest, and 2nd place in Poster

Tanae Baker = 1st place in Telephone Technique in Senior Division

Hayden Green = 1st place in Individual Civic Activities

Mia Peterson = 2nd place in Chapter Civic Activities

Aviyah Baadsgaard = 3rd place in Decision Making in Junior Division

Ella Eggebrecht = 3rd place in Telephone Technique in Junior Division

Olivia Helland & Niyoka Harris = 1st place in Chapter Banner

Addie Jones & Jorden Mix = 2nd place in Project Based Learning

Triniti Anderson also received the Student Leadership Group Achievement for her outstanding performance as a JMG State Officer.

As of April 23rd, the only filing that has occurred has been Danny Carr filing for Alderman, Ward 3 in Glasgow.

Filing for municipal offices opened Thursday, April 17, 2025, at 8 am and closes at 5 pm on Monday, June 16, 2025. Terms ending 12/31/25 are:

Town of Fort Peck

Alderman
Glenn R Guenther

Alderman
Joseph J French

City of Glasgow
Mayor
Rod Karst

Alderman, Ward 1 Stan Ozark
Alderman, Ward 2 Doug Nistler
Alderman, Ward 3 Danny Carr

Town of Nashua
Mayor
JoAnna Turner

Alderwoman
Ann Mac Donald

Alderman
Darwin Johnson

Town of Opheim
Mayor
Doug Bailey

Alderman, Ward 1
Scott St John

Alderman, Ward 2
Virgil Nelson

In addition, Gregg Fromdahl and Tommy Gonzales were both appointed to their seats on the Nashua Town Council, so those two positions need to be fulfilled for the remaining two years of the terms. That means that all five members of Nashua’s Town Council are up for election, three for 4-year terms that will expire 12/31/2029 (Mayor and 2 council seats) and two for 2-year terms that will expire 12/31/2027 (2 council seats).

Opheim has the same situation; Coreen Schumacher and Les Redfield were both appointed to their current seats on the Opheim Town Council. Once again, those two positions are open for filing to fulfill the remaining two years of the terms. Like Nashua’s Town Council, all five members of Opheim’s Town Council are up for election this year, three for 4-year terms that will expire 12/31/2029 (Mayor and 2 council seats) and two for 2-year terms that will expire 12/31/2027 (2 council seats).

The Primary Municipal Election will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Fort Peck Project announces summer plans given seasonal staffing and resource limitations.

Due to broader workforce and resource challenges across federal agencies this season, staff services will be reduced at recreation areas surrounding Fort Peck Reservoir, Montana this summer. Visitors may see impacts to staff response time, litter pick up, maintenance, repairs and staff availability.

The Downstream and West End class-A campgrounds will open May 1, 2025, with the aid of volunteer hosts. Shelters continue to be available for rent. Visitors can make reservations to these fee areas at recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777.

Primitive campgrounds continue to be open for public use. Boat ramps are open and courtesy docks are installed. Cleaning and mowing contracts are in place to maintain recreation areas.

The Fort Peck Interpretive Center will continue to accommodate school groups in May as staffing allows and with the support of volunteers.

Beginning May 24, 2025, the Interpretive Center summer schedule will be limited to one day a week, Saturday, with the help of volunteers. Powerhouse tours will correspond to Interpretive Center operations. Schedules are subject to change.

The public is asked for their patience and to please do their part to leave recreation areas ready for the next visitor. These changes are temporary, and services will be restored as soon as conditions allow.

Visitors are encouraged to verify the status of recreation sites before traveling. For the most current updates on Fort Peck recreation opportunities, please visit the Facebook page (@USACEFortPeck). For other questions, or to volunteer, please call the Fort Peck Project natural resources office at 406-526-3411.

A major income tax cut that would reduce state revenues by an estimated $267 million a year by 2028 cleared the Montana Legislature on Tuesday, passing a final vote in the Senate to head toward the desk of Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte.

House Bill 337, sponsored by Speaker of the House Brandon Ler, R-Savage, scales back the state’s top-bracket tax rate over the next two years while extending a lower-bracket rate to higher incomes. It passed on near-party line votes, with support from all Republicans and opposition from nearly all Democrats.

Advocating for the bill during a hearing before the Senate Taxation Committee on April 9, Ler argued the legislation would produce an income tax cut across the income spectrum.

“That means giving the populace more money and not having more money up here in state government,” Ler said.

Opponents had worried that continuing to scale back income taxes, the state’s primary revenue source, will eventually make it harder to cover the cost of public services. They also argued the lion’s share of the savings will go to high-income earners.

“It doesn’t target the Montanans who actually need it, who are the lower- and middle- income Montanans,” Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, argued as the bill was debated on the Senate floor April 18.

According to the Montana Budget and Policy Center, a Helena think tank that typically advocates for progressive tax policy and opposed HB 337, about two-thirds of the bill’s savings will go to the wealthiest 20% of taxpayers.

Higher-income taxpayers also pay a greater share of state taxes under current law. According to figures from the Montana Department of Revenue, the highest earning 20% of individual taxpayers reported 64% of the state’s taxable income and paid 70% of state income taxes collected in 2023.

Gianforte has made repeated pushes to reduce the state’s top-bracket income tax rate a centerpiece of his policy agenda since he took office in 2021 and has signed multiple rounds of Republican-backed income tax cuts that have reduced that rate from 6.9% to the current 5.9%. He routinely argues that lower income taxes will bolster Montana’s economy by making it a more competitive destination for entrepreneurs.

The Ler bill implements a slightly smaller cut than the one initially included in Gianforte’s pre-session budget proposal, which would have implemented a phased cut to the top-bracket tax rate, ultimately reducing it 4.9%. A fiscal analysis concluded that proposal would have reduced state revenues by about $304 million a year by 2028.

Instead, Ler’s proposal would drop the top-bracket rate to 5.65% in 2026 and then 5.4% in 2027, also phasing in the cut. Unlike the Gianforte proposal, it would also apply a current lower-bracket 4.7% rate to higher incomes, raising the threshold where that lower marginal rate is replaced with the top-bracket one from $21,000 to $47,500 for individual taxpayers. That threshold is doubled for married couples who file joint tax returns.

For an individual filer earning $50,000 a year and claiming a $15,000 standard deduction — therefore with $35,000 in taxable income — the Ler bill would result in $167 in annual savings once fully implemented, according to MTFP calculations. For an individual filer earning $200,000 a year and taking that same standard deduction, the annual savings would be $1,004.

The Gianforte proposal, in comparison, would have saved that $50,000 taxpayer slightly less, $139 a year and that $200,000 taxpayer substantially more, $1,639 a year.

The Ler bill also includes a portion of the governor’s proposal that would expand a state Earned Income Tax Credit available to lower-income working families starting next year, doubling it from 10% to 20% of an analogous credit available in the federal tax system. That increase would represent a relatively small share of the bill’s overall price tag, about $38 million a year.

Other major income tax bills proposed this session have stalled.

Senate Bill 323, brought by Sen. Josh Kassmier, R-Fort Benton, to implement the governor’s proposal, stalled in its initial Senate committee earlier this month. Another major income tax cut bill, Billings Republican Sen. Mike Yakawich’s Senate Bill 203, passed the Senate but was tabled by the House Taxation Committee on April 16.

Income taxes are the major source of funding for Montana’s state government. Montana property tax collections, in comparison, almost exclusively flow to fund local services.

Story credit to Glasgow Courier:

District Court Judge Yvonne Laird ordered on April 8 that the recall election based on the petitions to recall Krystal Dickerson and Carl Millerick from the North Valley County Sewer and Water District board be prohibited under further notice. She also ordered the preliminary injunction requesting the preclusion of Valley County Clerk and Recorder Marie Pippin from conducting the recall election, based on the petitions that were submitted, be granted.

Both Dickerson and Millerick are current members of the board of directors for the North Valley County Sewer and Water District, and as a result are subject to petitions for recall under 2-16-615(2) M.C.A. Upon submission of the petitions, Pippin determined there were signatures from the requisite number of qualified voters in order to move forward with the election. However, Charles Carpenter, the attorney for Dickerson and Millerick, claimed the petitions are both factually inadequate and inaccurate.

The petition allegations concerning Dickerson state she should be recalled for the following reasons: official misconduct, stealing district property (computer and phone), and for incompetence for incorrect billing and mismanagement of water district funds, employees and lack of general knowledge of the water system.

Court documents state that Dickerson had previously served as secretary of the District. She testified at the April 8 hearing that she had taken temporary custody of the District’s computer and phone for legitimate reasons and both are back in service with District staff. After hearing Dickerson’s testimony and reviewing previous documents, the Court found the allegations in the petition concerning Dickerson were not supported by sworn statements based on personal knowledge and the allegations against her in the petition are not specific.

The petition allegations concerning Millerick are very similar, stating he should be recalled for the following reasons: lack of physical or mental fitness due to his inability to coherently participate in water board meetings and the inability to understand the functions of the water board as well as incompetence for mismanagement of water district funds, employees and lack of general knowledge of day-to-day operations of the water district.

Court documents state that Millerick was first elected to the Board more than a decade ago and prior to this board service he had a full career in managing production facilities, which included water treatment and sewage treatment systems. He is fighting a rare form of cancer and his immune system is compromised. As a result, he has been advised by his physician to limit his exposure and is not driving, so he has been participating in Board meeting by telephone. He has virtually attended every meeting. Though Millerick has difficulty hearing, he has a phone that allows him to participate fully in Board meetings. Dickerson also testified during the April 8 hearing that Millerick’s ability to participate was not affected by his health issues. The Court also observed his live testimony at the hearing and did not note any issues with his ability to answer questions. As a result, the Court finds that Millerick is competent and experienced, and the allegations concerning his fitness to serve on the Board are vague and unsupported by sworn statements based on personal knowledge.

The Court determined only signatures were verified in the petition, not the petitioners’ personal knowledge of the facts or the trueness of the facts, to the best of the petitioners’ knowledge. The Court also determined that most of the allegations in the petitions are too vague. Though it was acknowledged that there were specific allegations of Dickerson’s handling of the District’s phone and computer as well as Millerick’s ability to follow along in meetings and perform his duties as a board member, the allegations were not supported by any evidence and are disputed by the evidence in the record.

As a result of the evidence presented and the Court’s decision to prohibit the recall election and approve the preliminary injunction requesting the preclusion of Pippin from conducting the recall election, the scheduled June 3 Recall Election is not scheduled to occur.

Abrianne Deserley and Calvin Lester Jr. are set to be charged in federal court in Great Falls for the murder of Gifford Standing. A federal indictment charges them with the killing of Gifford Standing in Wolf Point on February 26th of this year.

Dillon Wetsit and Michael Menz have been charged in Tribal Court with complicity to murder in the death of Standing. They are detained on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

The Legislature’s high-profile STARS Act cleared its final vote in the Senate on Tuesday afternoon, with a bipartisan bloc of 43 lawmakers approving the proposal that would direct $100 million toward raising starting teacher pay in Montana’s K-12 schools.

The STARS Act — also known as House Bill 252 — quickly emerged as a top policy priority this session for a broad coalition of Republicans, Democrats, public education advocates and Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte, who has promoted it repeatedly in public appearances and speeches this spring and included the $100 million request in his proposed budget.

The bill’s key feature is a significant increase in state funding for districts that raise beginning teacher salaries to better align with their average teacher pay. But as proponents have routinely pointed out, HB 252 includes a slate of other provisions providing additional financial support for trades-based credentialing and dual-credit opportunities for students, and would allow districts in areas with high housing costs to raise more local money for teacher housing.

“It’s just a real strong vote in favor of our public schools and of recruitment and retention of quality staff, and ultimately for kids,” Montana School Boards Association Executive Director Lance Melton told Montana Free Press in an interview following the Senate’s action Tuesday. “This whole lift here is going to put us up the ladder in terms of the national rankings on base teacher pay, it’s going to help us get closer back to the inflation that we lost over the four-year period after and in the midst of COVID-19, and it’s just coming at the right time for school districts. They sorely need it.”

Melton credited much of the STARS Act’s success to the work of its sponsor, House Appropriations Chair Llew Jones, R-Conrad, whom Melton helped to craft the bill based on discussions last interim about the financial challenges facing K-12 schools across Montana.

Though the STARS Act has attracted opposition votes from several Republican lawmakers critical of Montana’s public school system, verbal debate against it was virtually non-existent in the lead-up to its passage. Prior to its final appearance on the Senate floor, the bill cleared the chamber’s Finance and Claims Committee on a unanimous vote April 18, with supporters including Republican state Superintendent Susie Hedalen touting it as a crucial step in addressing the state’s ongoing teacher shortage. The bill now goes to Gianforte for his signature.

HB 252 wasn’t the only proposed change to state education funding to advance in recent weeks. Several bills have already passed both chambers and made it to Gianforte’s desk, among them a measure from Rep. David Bedey, R-Hamilton, that would replace district-specific levies that generate the local share of funding for schools with countywide levies — a move Bedey says will distribute financial pressure more evenly among property tax payers.

Also awaiting the governor’s signature is House Bill 567, a measure from Republican Rep. Brad Barker of Red Lodge to allow districts within the same county to share the costs of certain educational equipment and resources, while a push by Rep. Eric Tilleman, R-Cascade, to enhance federal funding for career and technical education in Montana middle schools has already been signed into law.

A smattering of Democratic-led proposals have also made it to Gianforte’s desk. One of those, House Bill 509 from Whitefish Rep. Debo Powers, would expand state loan assistance eligibility for public school teachers. Another, House Bill 266 from Helena Rep. Luke Muszkiewicz, seeks to resolve a longstanding dispute over inflationary increases to education funding by creating a process for state lawmakers and the Office of Public Instruction to adjust those increases above a 3% cap in state law when needed.

And in a surprise twist April 17, the Senate revived a handful of proposed public education policies that appeared stalled out in the chamber’s education committee. The bills tackled a range of state funding increases for school meals, school building maintenance and special education programs for preschool-aged children with disabilities. One by one, a bipartisan majority of senators approved bypassing the committee’s votes that previously tabled the measures, blasting them to the Senate floor for consideration. The committee’s chair, Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, grew visibly frustrated with the development, echoing concerns raised by other Republicans about the increased state costs associated with the proposals and criticizing the treatment of his committee’s decisions.

“I take offense to these motions that have wasted our time that we worked so hard on the other night,” Fuller told fellow senators. “I ask a rhetorical question: Why do we even have committees if this is what’s going to result?”

Christmas trees sold this year by Glasgow-area Boy Scout Troop 861’s were not only adorned with ornaments, but also turned into fish habitat at the Fort Peck Dredge Cut Trout Pond.

What began as an Eagle Scout project a few years ago is continuing today. In the past, returned trees were bundled and placed on the ice and during melting, would fall through and settle to the bottom.
This year, due to unsafe ice conditions last month, the troop worked with FWP’s Hayden Cody to sink the trees by boat in open water. Scouts bundled up the trees with cable and cinder blocks, loaded them on the boat, and then helped heave them into the water.

The intent of this effort is to provide perch spawning habitat for perch to continue to grow their population through successful reproduction, as there isn’t much for natural spawning habitat in the Trout Pond.

In addition to providing perch habitat, some of the scouts took the opportunity to clean up trash at the access point on the FAS.

Thanks to Pack 861 for all the help!

Governor Greg Gianforte has ordered that all flags in Montana be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis. This directive follows a proclamation by President Donald Trump. The flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Pope Francis's interment.

Gov. Greg Gianforte asked Montanans to remember the late Pope Francis as a kind and humble leader.

The pope died Monday at the age of 88, according to the Associated Press. He was the first pope from Latin America and presided for more than 12 years.

“Susan and I join Christians across Montana and around the world in mourning the loss of his holiness, Pope Francis,” Gianforte said in a statement. “After leading a life of service to the Lord, Pope Francis leaves a legacy of kindness and understanding toward the most vulnerable among us.

“His humility was an example for us all. As we celebrate the Easter Season, let us be reminded of his humility and service to others using our God-given gifts to bless one another.”

Gianforte cited a Bible verse, 1 Peter 4:10, in the news release: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

An estimated 55% of Montanans are Christian, including 12% who are Catholic, according to a Pew Research Center study from 2023-24.

The Glasgow City Council met on Monday. Action items taken by the council:

Approved the call for bids for the City of Glasgow's repurchase agreement for June 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026.

Appointed Lori Stormer to the Housing Authority Board for a term that will end March 4, 2030.

Appointed Lisa Koski, Shyanne Wallace, Paul Skubinna, Madelyn House, Jennifer Robley, Rob Brunell and Brenner Flaten to review the Growth Policy and Downtown Revitalization Policy.

The council agreed to sponsor the Yard of the Week this summer for residents of Glasgow.

The council agreed to oversee the 4th of July fireworks for 2025.

Approved the GRD to request interest rates from local financial institutions to finance a new camera system for the Civic Center and the Swimming Pool.