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Latest Local News

US Justice Department To Monitor Compliance With Federal Voting Laws In Blaine County

Posted (Sunday, November 3rd 2024)

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

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

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

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

New Trends In Agriculture Seminar Set For November 5th

Posted (Friday, November 1st 2024)

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

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

Town Pump Charitable Foundation Matching Donations To Valley Community Emergency Food Bank

Posted (Friday, November 1st 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

Unity In The Community Event Held Tuesday

Posted (Thursday, October 31st 2024)

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

Glasgow City Council To Meet Monday

Posted (Thursday, October 31st 2024)

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

Glasgow School Board Looking To Appoint New Trustee After Resignation

Posted (Wednesday, October 30th 2024)

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

CWD sampling locations in FWP Region 6 in northeast Montana

Posted (Tuesday, October 29th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

$5.82 Billion Spent Annually By Non Resident Tourists In Montana

Posted (Tuesday, October 29th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saco Woman Dies In Vehicle Accident Saturday Evening

Posted (Monday, October 28th 2024)

Story credit to KULR8.Com

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

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

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

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

Unity In The Community Coming To Glasgow

Posted (Monday, October 28th 2024)

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

Glasgow Man Dies When Truck Goes Off Rural Road Near Nashua

Posted (Sunday, October 27th 2024)

Story credit to Billings Gazette:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Road Construction Project South Of Malta Substantially Complete

Posted (Friday, October 25th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

41% Of Absentee Ballots Returned In Valley County

Posted (Friday, October 25th 2024)

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

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

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

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

Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) Awarded $550,000 For Small Business Lending In Northeastern Montana

Posted (Thursday, October 24th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glasgow City Council Looking For Volunteers

Posted (Thursday, October 24th 2024)

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

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

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

Avoid These 10 Common Hunting Mistakes

Posted (Wednesday, October 23rd 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Commerce Awards Grant Funding to Implement Resiliency Plans for Montana Tourism Regions

Posted (Wednesday, October 23rd 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valley County Commissioners Discussion And Decision Meeting

Posted (Tuesday, October 22nd 2024)

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

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

Along The Hi-Line In Montana, Recreationalists Are Encouraged To Be Bear Aware

Posted (Tuesday, October 22nd 2024)

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

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

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

Tips for hunters and others that recreate in bear country:

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

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

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

Lustre Girl Receives New Camper From Make-A-Wish

Posted (Tuesday, October 22nd 2024)

Full Story from KTVQ.com

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

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

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

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

DPHHS warns respiratory illness season underway in Montana

Posted (Friday, October 18th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glasgow City Council Meeting October 21st

Posted (Friday, October 18th 2024)

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

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

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

Montana Cowboy Hall Of Fame Announces Rose Stoneberg Of Hinsdale To Be Inducted Into Hall Of Fame

Posted (Wednesday, October 16th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Montana Public Service Commission Rejects Natural Gas Rate Increase For MDU

Posted (Wednesday, October 16th 2024)

Story credit to Daily Montanan:

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

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

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

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

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

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

All four other commissioners voted against it, however.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Valley County Commissioner Meeting

Posted (Wednesday, October 16th 2024)

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

Alsberg And Willett On Live Under The Big Sky

Posted (Tuesday, October 15th 2024)

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

https://soundcloud.com/feed

AAA Reports Gas Prices Increased This Week

Posted (Friday, October 11th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Absentee Ballots Mailed Out Today

Posted (Friday, October 11th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

Voter turnout in Valley County:

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

New Grant Program Unveiled For Agricultural Businesses

Posted (Thursday, October 10th 2024)

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

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

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

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

Marijuana Sales Decrease In Valley County

Posted (Thursday, October 10th 2024)

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

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

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

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

Fire Crews Respond To Fire At Valley County Landfill

Posted (Wednesday, October 9th 2024)

Release from Glasgow/Long Run Fire Department:

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

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

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

Fort Peck Indian Reservation satellite voting lawsuit enters settlement negotiations

Posted (Wednesday, October 9th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Glasgow School Board Meeting

Posted (Wednesday, October 9th 2024)

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

Tickets On Sale For Festival Of Trees

Posted (Wednesday, October 9th 2024)

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

Valley County Sheriff's Office Press Release

Posted (Tuesday, October 8th 2024)

Press Release from Valley County Sheriff's Office:

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

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

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

Northeast Montana Harvest Festival

Posted (Tuesday, October 8th 2024)

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

Valley County Commission Candidates On Live Under The Big Sky

Posted (Tuesday, October 8th 2024)

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

2025 Fort Peck Summer Theatre Season

Posted (Tuesday, October 8th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dracula August 15 – August 31
1 Vampire. 4 Actors. 9 Pints of Blood. 57 Characters. In a madcap mash-up of Misery and Laugh-In, the world’s most famous vampire will haunt the historic Fort Peck Theatre. Dracula is sure to be a fever-paced balance of comedy and horror, as hilarious lightning-fast costume changes and tongue-in-cheek dialogue are matched by rousing jump scares and goosebump-inducing chilling special effects.
2025 Season Volunteer Community Cast Auditions: Mid-February 2025

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

Glasgow City Council Approves Big For Pool Bathhouse

Posted (Tuesday, October 8th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

Glasgow City Council Meeting On Monday

Posted (Monday, October 7th 2024)

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

Absentee Ballots Go Out This Week

Posted (Monday, October 7th 2024)

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

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

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

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

Valley County Commissioners Meet Wednesday

Posted (Monday, October 7th 2024)

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

Twin constitutional initiatives aim to make Montana elections more competitive

Posted (Sunday, October 6th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great Northern Development Receives Two Awards

Posted (Friday, October 4th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gas Prices Drop Compared To Last Week

Posted (Friday, October 4th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tourney Registration

Posted (Friday, October 4th 2024)

Press Release from Montana Governor's Cup Walleye Tourney:

Exciting News for Anglers!

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

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

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

$1.68 Million Wagered On Sports In Montana Last Week

Posted (Thursday, October 3rd 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Outdoor Recreation $2.9 Billion Industry In Montana

Posted (Thursday, October 3rd 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

Changes To Montana Millionaire Game

Posted (Wednesday, October 2nd 2024)

The Montana Lottery says that tickets for the annual "Montana Millionaire" will go on sale starting at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024.

In March 2024, lottery officials announced several changes for this year's event.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Four $1M grand prizes
500,000 tickets
'Quarter-Million Monday'
More instant wins

The agency is adding another million-dollar grand prize, bringing the total to four. This comes after last year's increase from two to three $1M prizes.

The number of tickets sold this year will increase to 500,000 - up from 380,000 sold in 2023. Tickets will still cost $20. Last year, all tickets sold within five hours.

The Montana Lottery is also adding a “Quarter Million Monday” drawing for $250,000 on Monday, December 2, 2024; this will replace the former “Early Bird” drawings.

There will also be more instant win prizes: 200 more $500 instant wins, and 2,500 more $100 instant wins.

The drawing for the grand prizes will be on Thursday, December 26, 2024.

Fort Peck Tribal Members Are Suing Valley County Seeking Satellite Voting Locations

Posted (Wednesday, October 2nd 2024)

Story from Montana Free Press:

Fort Peck tribal members are suing Valley County seeking satellite voting locations, arguing that Indigenous voters have poor access to the polls. Attorneys for the tribal voters say the absence of satellite voting locations in Frazer and Poplar violates the rights of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. Voters must drive 23 miles one way to vote in person and receive basic voter assistance available off the reservation. The reservation straddles Valley and Roosevelt counties. The tribes have asked both to improve voting access for tribal members in this year’s election.

The plaintiffs in the lawsuit, filed Monday in state District Court, are Sariah Old Elk, Terry Thompson, Angie Toce, Joseph Dolezilek, Delane Blount and Brandi Long-White. County commissioners in both Valley and Roosevelt counties, as well as Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, are defendants.

One challenge, said Brett Healy, who specializes in voting rights in Indian Country, is that county courthouses, where local elections are headquartered, were located more than a century ago in off-reservation communities.

“The locations of these courthouses were a political decision mostly made in the West before Indians had the right to vote or had citizenship, and certainly long before there was an effective voting power,” Healy said. “And then the other portion of it is the vote by mail portion. Too many people say, ‘Well, that’s easy.’

“The U.S. postal system is inherently unequal because it’s still trapped in the amber of the 1900s, of where these postal locations are located and especially where they were not. They were not on Indian reservations.”


In-person voting begins Oct. 8 in Montana. Absentee ballots will be mailed Oct. 11.

The Valley County Clerk and Recorder, who oversees elections, declined to discuss satellite voting locations on the Fort Peck Reservation when contacted by Montana Free Press on Friday.


The Fort Peck Tribes have offered county election officials building space and volunteers to staff satellite voting locations. Medicine Bear Complex in Poplar and the Freda Fourstar Omak’ce “One With Many Children” Community Hall in Frazer are locations the tribes would like to see used this election cycle. There were 1,100 people counted in those communities in the 2020 census.

The closest current polling place to Poplar is in Wolf Point, a 46-mile round trip. The over and back from Frazer to Glasgow is 58 miles. Federal courts have previously ruled that a 16-mile distance between Indigenous communities and polling places is too far, said Healy, who has successfully brought voting rights lawsuits in Nevada, Arizona, South Dakota and Montana.

In 2015, Indigenous voters compelled then Secretary of State Linda McCulloch to create satellite election locations on reservations. The result was a requirement that counties give tribal governments a month’s notice to request satellite voting sites.

Counties were obligated to study whether satellite offices were necessary.

The Fort Peck Tribes indicate that they haven’t seen any analysis from the counties, though they have asked for it. The 2015 agreement required tribes to provide a site for the satellite location, complete with phone and Internet connections, which the Fort Peck Tribes are offering to provide.

In 2012, Indigenous voters partnered with the American Civil Liberties Union to sue for voting access. The voters won, but only one Montana county, Big Horn, where the Crow Reservation is located, had followed through by 2014. In several cases, tribes across the state didn’t make their requests for satellite offices within the allowed one-month period.

Changes Made To SNAP Program

Posted (Wednesday, October 2nd 2024)

Several changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, start Tuesday.

SNAP provides benefits to low-income individuals with oversight from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.

The USDA adjusts SNAP maximum allotments, deductions and income eligibility requirements at the beginning of each fiscal year, which begins on Oct. 1.

This year, the USDA has increased maximum allotments but also changed eligibility requirements for SNAP benefits, but exact amounts vary based on where you live and the size of your household.

For most households, the increases in allotments are small – just a few dollars a month.

The monthly benefits vary by household size. These are the new benefit amounts for families living in the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC:

Household size of 1: $292 (up from $291)
Household size of 2: $536 (up from $535)
Household size of 3: $768 (up from $766)
Household size of 4: $975 (up from $973)
Household size of 5: $1,158 (up from $1,155)
Household size of 6: $1,390 (up from $1,386)
Household size of 7: $1,536 (up from $1,532)
Household size of 8: $1,756 (up from $1,751)
Eligibility based on income varies from state to state.


The USDA has made the changes to account for inflation and other economic factors.

United States to Host 2024 Transboundary Grassland Partnership Workshop in Shelby, Montana

Posted (Tuesday, October 1st 2024)

The 2024 Transboundary Grassland Partnership (TGP) Workshop will take place in Shelby, Montana this October, marking a significant opportunity for cross-border collaboration on grasslands conservation.

The workshop, set to run October 22-24, will bring together ranchers, conservationists, indigenous leaders, and policymakers with a shared goal of sustaining healthy transboundary native biodiversity while supporting grassland ecosystems and communities.

Kicking off on October 22, the workshop will feature an optional field tour through Blackfeet Nation, offering participants a firsthand look at work being done on the ground. The tour will be followed by a two-day conference, October 23 and 24, covering a variety of pressing topics, including:

• Community Building in Rural Places
• Grassland Partnerships
• Challenges and Opportunities in Ranch Succession Planning
• Transferring Indigenous Knowledge
• Mesic Restoration

Registration is now open for the TGP Workshop, with an early registration deadline of Friday, October 11. After this date, registration prices will increase. Participants will also have the option to attend the workshop virtually, ensuring that those unable to travel to Shelby can still engage with the event. For all registration details, including pricing, locations, and virtual attendance options, please visit www.RanchStewards.org/events.

The Transboundary Grassland Partnership focuses on communication, connection, and collaboration across the shared grassland ecosystems of the Northern Great Plains, recognizing that conservation does not stop at international, state, or tribal borders. Watersheds, wildlife migration patterns, air quality, and invasive species all impact the landscape across various boundaries, making cross-border partnerships essential for effective conservation outcomes.

With the workshop, TGP aims to strengthen ties between all stakeholders and promote conservation strategies that can be applied across jurisdictions. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from experts, share their own experiences, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for maintaining healthy, resilient grasslands.

AAA Reports Gasoline Prices Continue To Decrease

Posted (Monday, September 30th 2024)

The national average for a gallon of gas wobbled by a few cents before ending up where it started a week ago at $3.21. Pump prices have been sliding recently, but the rapid intensification of Hurricane Helene appears to be having an effect. Meanwhile, the average cost of public EV charging was unchanged.

“Hurricane Helene will likely impact gasoline demand, but not supply,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “The storm is missing the Gulf’s oil production and refining centers as it lumbers through the Southeast. But power outages, structural damage, and road flooding will hinder people from fueling up for a few days. So any impact on the national average will probably be fleeting.”

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand rose from 8.77 million b/d last week to 9.20. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks fell slightly from 221.6 million barrels to 220.1, while gasoline production increased last week, averaging 9.8 million barrels daily. Tepid gasoline demand and low oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.21, 14 cents less than a month ago and 61 cents less than a year ago.

In Montana, the average price for a gallon of gasoline is $3.28 per gallon which is 15 cents lower than a month ago and 84 cents lower than a year ago.

AAA reports the average price of gasoline in Valley County is $3.29 per gallon.

Valley County Commissioner Meeting

Posted (Monday, September 30th 2024)

The Valley County Commissioners will have their weekly meeting on Wednesday, October 2nd in the Commissioner's Office in the Valley County Courthouse.

Press Release From Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement In Wolf Point

Posted (Monday, September 30th 2024)

Press Release from Fort Peck Tribal Law Enforcement:
 
Need public assistance:

On 9/28/24 early morning a fire at an unoccupied building formerly Pizza Joint also known as Ricks Barber shop. An unidentified male was located after the fire was extinguished by the Wolf Point Volunteer Fire Department.

Law Enforcement is requesting the assistance from the community in reporting any missing individuals last seen that day.

Please call 911 or non emergency number 406 653-6240.

Thank you for assistance

Condolences to the person and family

Voter Registration Numbers

Posted (Friday, September 27th 2024)

The November Election is rapidly approaching, and absentee ballots are set to be mailed out October 11th in Montana

In Valley County, there are currently 5007 registered voters. This number is down compared to the last Presidential Election in 2020 when Valley County had 5136 registered voters. In 1992, Valley County had 5707 registered voters.

Phillips County currently has 2708 registered voters compared to 2867 in the 2020 election year. Phillips County had 3258 registered voters in 1992.

Roosevelt County currently has 5809 registered voters compared to 6046 in the election year of 2020. In the election year of 1992, Roosevelt County had 5707 registered voters.

Montana currently has 775,011 registered voters compared to 752,538 voters in the year 2020. In the 1992 election year, the state had 529,822 registered voters.

Since last month, Valley County has seen an increase of 11 registered voters, Roosevelt County an increase of 276 and Phillips County an increase of 21 registered voters.

Montana has seen an increase of just under 10,000 registered voters since August.

Four things to know about NorthWestern Energy’s newest rate hike request

Posted (Thursday, September 26th 2024)

Story credit to Montana Free Press:

If you struggle to understand the charges and formulas incorporated into power companies’ electricity and natural gas rates, you’re not alone. Utility ratemaking is a notoriously technical undertaking that even professionals working in related fields can find difficult to decipher. It’s also an important component of the “pocketbook economics” that influence Montanans’ finances, whether they’re paying their monthly power bills or budgeting for goods and services affected by swelling energy costs.

For example, when NorthWestern Energy, the state’s largest monopoly utility, last raised its rates, it estimated its residential customers’ electricity bills would climb 28% — a significant amount in a state where cold snaps and heat waves spur wallet-straining spikes in energy usage.

To help Montana power consumers make sense of NorthWestern’s most recent request to raise its customers’ rates, Montana Free Press has identified four especially noteworthy elements of the proposed increase NorthWestern submitted to the Montana Public Service Commission, the board of elected officials that regulates shareholder-owned utilities, in July.

1. NORTHWESTERN IS ASKING FOR A $193 MILLION ANNUAL RATE INCREASE FOR ELECTRICITY AND NATURAL GAS SERVICE
In its application to the PSC, NorthWestern said it needs to increase the revenue it receives from electricity and natural gas customers by $193 million annually to cover the utility’s costs and earn a 10.8% return on equity for shareholders. A significant portion of that $193 million (in utility parlance, it’s called a revenue requirement) pertains to infrastructure NorthWestern has invested in since the commission approved its most recent rate increase in October 2023.

The infrastructure at play in the new rate request, including new power poles, natural gas pipelines and a recently constructed gas plant, is utility-owned. Per standard practice, monopoly utilities are afforded the opportunity to recover their costs for these investments, plus some profit (typically in the neighborhood of 10%), if they can demonstrate to the PSC that the expenditures are prudent and will be “used and useful.”

Most of the utility’s recent investment has occurred on the electricity side of its business, and the largest individual addition is the Yellowstone County Generating Station, a contested 175-megawatt gas-powered plant that NorthWestern recently built near Laurel, but has not yet incorporated into customers’ bills. NorthWestern puts the price tag for that plant at $310-$320 million and anticipates keeping it in service for 30 years. Largely as a result of having that plant in its portfolio, NorthWestern said it needs to collect another $164 million from electricity customers. Additionally, it would like to collect another $29 million from gas customers annually. Incorporated in those numbers are both infrastructure investments and an estimated $8 million annual increase in the company’s property tax bill.

NorthWestern’s most recent rate case can help to put that increase in context. In that case, filed in 2022 and approved in 2023, PSC commissioners unanimously authorized NorthWestern to recover an additional $82 million for its electricity service from its 406,000 electricity customers annually. As a result of that increase, NorthWestern anticipated that the average NorthWestern residential customer using approximately 750 kilowatt-hours of electricity would see a $25 jump in their monthly bill.

A reduction in another component of the utility’s electricity rates later ended up moderating that number, which reflects a component of the dynamic nature of energy markets in Montana we’ll explore in more detail below.

2. NORTHWESTERN PLANS TO SELL MORE POWER TO OTHER COMPANIES
NorthWestern’s filing suggests that the Laurel gas plant will soften the blow of the $164 million increase in electricity revenue it’s seeking from customers. According to NorthWestern, having that plant online will allow the company to significantly increase the amount of power it sells to other utilities.

Those projections are outlined in portions of the rate case filing dealing with the Power Costs and Credits Adjustment Mechanism, or PCCAM. The PCCAM is a type of rate that’s calculated by adding the amount that NorthWestern estimates spending to purchase power from other suppliers and on fuel for its own plants and then subtracting the excess electricity it anticipates selling on the regional market. Both fuel costs and market purchases are considered pass-through costs, meaning the utility more or less sends them straight through to customers without earning a profit on them.

According to NorthWestern’s calculations, if you take into account the $94.5 million reduction in the PCCAM incorporated in the filing — more than half of which NorthWestern attributes to its new gas plant — the final restructuring will result in an 8% increase on residential customers’ electricity bills, raising the average residential bill by $9.10 per month.


The reduction in the PCCAM is largely driven by the fact that NorthWestern anticipates substantially increasing its electricity sales to other utilities, and power it sells to other utilities lowers ratepayer bills. (That’s the “credits” piece of the PCCAM acronym.) NorthWestern forecasts that it will sell $190 million worth of electricity to utility power purchasers annually.

Gary Duncan, a former rate analyst for the PSC who came out of retirement to oversee the rate case the PSC approved last year, questions the assumptions underlying that $190 million in market sales figure. Duncan described NorthWestern’s proposed sixfold increase in power sales as a “black hole” in its rate case application.

“I don’t know how they got to that number,” he told MTFP. “I don’t have a clue how that [increase] could possibly happen.”

Asked for comment on that component of the filing, NorthWestern spokesperson Jo Dee Black told MTFP that regional energy companies are increasingly reliant on market power purchases amidst “increasing scarcity and price volatility.”

NorthWestern can leverage those conditions to “create opportunities for the economic dispatch of excess electricity,” she wrote. “For example, generation from the Yellowstone County Generating Station can be sold when NorthWestern Energy’s Montana customers’ demand is being met by our own hydro, wind and solar generation, if market prices mean that sale will benefit our Montana customers.”

Duncan said NorthWestern’s customers should pay attention to such forecasts because if NorthWestern fails to hit that market sales target, customers are going to end up responsible for much of the shortfall. Per Montana statute, NorthWestern can pass 90% of an under-collection of supply costs on to customers in a true-up process designed to keep the utility’s projections roughly aligned with its incurred costs. In practice, that means that if NorthWestern’s PCCAM forecasts are off, it can recover most of the money it’s short from ratepayers.


The Montana Environmental Information Center, an environmental nonprofit and longtime NorthWestern Energy watchdog, therefore cautions NorthWestern’s customers against putting too much stock in the utility’s PCCAM base, arguing that the variability and unknowns incorporated into it make it an unreliable benchmark. The number MEIC instead focuses on in its critique of the filing is 26%, which is the increase in electricity revenue the utility is seeking from residential customers related to its infrastructure investments and property taxes.

MEIC also argues that the market sales and purchases components of NorthWestern’s PCCAM filing don’t pencil out.

“The numbers themselves show that they are going to be spending more on market purchases, but they also simultaneously are going to be making a bunch of money from these market sales,” MEIC Energy Transition Engineer Nick Fitzmaurice said. “It’s misleading.”

Fitzmaurice said MEIC plans to closely examine that component of NorthWestern’s filing in the coming months as one of the 10 entities that have asked to intervene in the rate case. Other parties that have intervened include the Montana Consumer Counsel, the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, a small cohort of NorthWestern’s largest industrial customers, and NW Energy Coalition, a collective of businesses and nonprofits that support renewable energy development.

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3. NORTHWESTERN IS ASKING FOR AUTHORITY TO LEVY NEW CHARGES ON CUSTOMERS RELATED TO COLSTRIP UPGRADES
In a not-unexpected turn of events, NorthWestern is asking the PSC for authorization to factor expensive upgrades for Montana’s largest power plant, Colstrip, into customers’ bills.

The upgrades in question will soon be required to keep the nearly 40-year-old coal plant, which NorthWestern co-owns with other utilities, in compliance with tighter pollution regulations the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency adopted earlier this year. The regulations in question aim to clamp down on toxic air pollution associated with coal combustion and substantially decrease power plants’ release of carbon dioxide, the most common greenhouse gas.

The Mercury and Air Toxics Standard, which has an earlier compliance date than the CO2 rule, would require an investment in a plant upgrade that’s estimated to top $600 million, an amount the utility has previously suggested would make continued operation of the plant uneconomical.

At this point, details about NorthWestern’s proposal to create what it’s calling a Reliability Compliance Balancing Account are scarce, but the company describes it as a tariff that would be submitted to the PSC on an annual basis for its review. Black wrote in an email to MTFP that there is no upper limit on the amount of money NorthWestern could seek to recover through this account.

Duncan described that component of NorthWestern’s request as “atrocious.”

“There would be no cap on it. They provide no estimate of costs. They don’t provide anything. It’s sort of like ‘trust us.’”

PSC Chief Legal Counsel Lucas Hamilton said it’s unclear if NorthWestern is proposing to submit the tariff to the commission for approval or mere review, but he expects to learn more about the utility’s proposed process in the coming months.

4. THE COMMISSION WILL LIKELY APPROVE A SMALLER INTERIM RATE INCREASE IN THE COMING WEEKS OR MONTHS
In recognition of the fact that the PSC can take more than a year to issue a final decision on a rate case, regulated utilities can recover a portion of their larger requested rate hike while the utility, intervening parties and commission staff make their way through a mountain of filings in the time-consuming quasi-judicial process, which is subject to some of the same evidentiary standards common in legal proceedings. Interim rate increases are smaller than the full request, and the commission can require utilities to refund them if they’re later found to be too high.


NorthWestern has written that it has filed an interim rate request “because the rates presently in effect are no longer just and reasonable as they do not allow NorthWestern an opportunity to recover in rates its total cost of providing electric and natural gas service to customers.” The utility is therefore asking the PSC to allow it to recover $51 million in electricity revenue and $21 million in natural gas revenue under an interim rate increase that it would like to go into effect Oct. 1.

In addition to the interim rate increase, NorthWestern is asking for a “bridge rate” to start recovering $58 million for its new gas plant for the period between when the plant is put into service — a milestone NorthWestern plans to reach by the end of October — and the conclusion of the larger rate case.

It’s unclear if NorthWestern would refund its bridge rate collections if the commission later finds those collections unjustified. Duncan said that if refundability is part of NorthWestern’s plan, the company has not made that explicit in its filing, and NorthWestern did not directly answer MTFP’s question about the issue. However, Hamilton said Montana law allows regulators to require utilities to refund any overcollections associated with temporary rates, and he considers the proposed bridge rate to be a temporary rate.

Regardless, Duncan said he’s opposed to the commission authorizing tens of millions for a gas plant that hasn’t been exposed to the rigors of the commission’s standard review processes in the way that other assets, such as the Dave Gates Generating Station, have.

“There is going to be a huge battle in the upcoming rate case about if it’s ‘used and useful’ and if it’s prudent,” Duncan said, adding that he anticipates the Laurel gas plant to be the utility’s most expensive power producer on a cost-per-megawatt basis “by far.”

As of Sept. 24, it’s uncertain whether the commission will issue a decision on the interim rate or the bridge rate by Oct. 1 as requested by NorthWestern, in part because it took NorthWestern a couple of months to submit all the documents the commission requires to formally initiate its review.


The commission has, however, laid out a proposed schedule for the larger (read: non-interim) rate review. If the new rate case unfolds like the most recent one, energy consumers can anticipate a legally enforceable agreement between NorthWestern and at least one intervening party sometime in March. Any settlements reached between the parties must go before the commission for approval.

Valley County Combined Campaign Inviting Non-Profits To Be Part Of Campaign

Posted (Thursday, September 26th 2024)

The Valley County Combined Campaign is celebrating its 43rd year of giving with an invitation to Valley County non-profit organizations to join the 2024-2025 campaign.

There are three openings available this year for member positions. Consideration will also be given to applicants for an available permanent position on the campaign. Any Valley County non-profit organization interested in applying is required to have their own 501(c)3 non-profit status and will not be allowed to do any other soliciting for contributions for the year(s) they are a member of the campaign.

Please submit a letter of interest indicating your organization’s mission and needs to Valley County Combined Campaign. Your letter may be dropped off at Head Start, 211 1st Avenue So to Kerry Hentges between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. This letter must be received no later than October 4th. Any organization interested in applying for the vacant positions will be asked to give a brief presentation about their organization, including what specifically they will be designating their monies toward at the October 8th meeting of the Valley County Combined Campaign board of directors at 5:45 pm at Head Start.

We are also searching for a public member to serve on the board. Term starts immediately.
The VCCC was formed in 1982 so that community members and businesses would only be contacted once during the year for donations. VCCC would like to thank the Valley County residents for their generosity for the last 42 years. You have impacted the participating organizations greatly.

If you have any questions, you can email Kerry Hentges at k.hentges@aemt.org.

Montana’s overseas voting system fixed after error leaves Harris off ballot

Posted (Tuesday, September 24th 2024)

Military and overseas voters can once again vote through the state’s Electronic Absentee System after the Montana Secretary of State’s Office corrected an error that left Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz off the ballot.

Friday, the Secretary of State’s Office took down the system that some military and overseas voters use to case their ballot for several hours while vendors fixed the system after the office was notified of the omission.

Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen’s office issued a news release Monday morning that started with the assertion: “No, Montana did not leave a candidate off the 2024 General Election ballot.”

The Daily Inter Lake first reported the issue with the Electronic Absentee System on Friday afternoon, saying a Flathead County voter living in the United Kingdom had logged on to the absentee overseas ballot system on Friday and noticed the presidential race only contained Republican Donald Trump and Independent Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as options.

The story noted that Jacobsen’s office was fixing the error with a vendor and that it would be rectified by later in the day. Friday was the first day that military and overseas voters from Montana could start voting in the November election.

The news spread on social media during the weekend as some people, including many from outside Montana, alleged that Jacobsen had intended to leave Harris and Walz off the ballot.

Her office on Monday said that was “egregious misinformation,” explained that Jacobsen had certified qualified candidates, including Harris and Walz, for the ballot in August. Later in the afternoon, her office sent out links to stories fact-checking claims that Harris’s name was “removed” from the ballot.

In the news release Monday, Jacobsen’s office said election officials were notified that the Electronic Absentee System had an issue shortly after 8 a.m. on Friday. It said it took the EAS system offline and worked with a vendor to troubleshoot the issue and correct it.

“By Friday afternoon, the system was back online and available to eligible UOCAVA voters, including those few voters who may have been impacted,” the release said. “No ballots were affected, including those that will be sent to registered absentee voters and those that will be presented to voters at the polling place on Election Day.”

Secretary of State’s Office spokesperson Richie Melby said the office had received one report from Flathead County and that the system was taken offline in the morning and was back online by Friday afternoon. Melby said that voter had been contacted and “no further action is required.”

That voter is Max Himsl, a plumber who moved to the United Kingdom two-and-a-half years ago with his wife, both of whom vote in Flathead County.

Himsl said in an interview Monday the two are currently on vacation in France and were checking their email last Friday when they noticed the notification from the Secretary of State’s Office notifying both they could cast their ballot through the EAS portal.

“First question, right out the bat, was the presidential election, and it was just like, ‘Hold on, that’s not right,’” Himsl said. “And my wife, she went through all the other races and there were all the Democrats – they all looked fine. But not the big one.”

He said he immediately called the Flathead County Election Department to tell them about the issue. Himsl said the person he spoke with told him others had called as well.

Melby said the office received an email from a county official that had said a voter had told them about the issue, which led to the office taking the system offline.

Himsl showed the Daily Montanan an email sent by a Flathead County elections specialist to him informing all Flathead County overseas voters that the office had “received reports” regarding the issue, told the Secretary of State’s Office, and that Jacobsen’s office was taking “immediate action” to resolve the issue. The Flathead County Election Department did not return a message seeking clarification on Friday’s timeline of events on Monday.

But others the Daily Montanan spoke with on Monday said they had directly heard from more people in other counties who had the same issue when trying to vote from overseas on Friday. Pat Dawson said he had friends living in Asia who are voters in Liberty County and had told him about the same issue. And Connor Fitzpatrick, the election division supervisor for Lewis and Clark County, said he also received calls from voters on Friday morning about Harris’s name not appearing.

But by that time, he said, the Secretary of State’s Office was already working on taking the portal down. He said the Lewis and Clark County elections office contacted those voters after the issues were fixed to let them know the site was back up and running.

“They sent out a mass email going, ‘Hey, there’s an issue here. We’re gonna pull it down for a minute and make sure that we get it all taken care of,’” Fitzpatrick said.

Himsl said he and his wife successfully used the system to cast their ballots on Saturday.

“It was startling, but I’m glad they got it fixed quickly. But it kind of upsets me that – how did that happen in the first place?” he said. “…And did they not, like, test the system in the last week?”

Melby did not answer a question Monday about what happened that led to Harris’s and Walz’s names not being available initially on the ballot in the ESA system.

Himsl said he was happy the office fixed the issue but felt the Secretary of State’s Office’s news release downplayed how many people it affected because others had reported the error as well.

“I don’t see the harm in saying, ‘This happened, there was an issue. Luckily, it was picked up right away; we apologize for it,’” he said. “There’s nothing wrong with saying that and owning a mistake, that maybe someone dropped the ball or there was a bug in the system.”

Friday’s mailing of ballots to overseas and military voters and the opening of the ESA portal marked the beginning of voting in the November election. Other absentee voters will have their ballots mailed out on Oct. 11, and polls will open on Nov. 5 at 7 a.m. for people who vote in person.

Jacobsen’s office in Monday’s news release said voters should rely only on “trusted sources for credible election information,” including her office and the 56 county election offices.

“The Secretary of State’s Office appreciates the vendor’s quick troubleshooting and resolution,” the release said. “The Montana Elections Team is grateful to our Montana military members serving abroad, and we’re honored to serve them, their families, and overseas voters.”

Valley County Commissioners To Hold Public Meetings

Posted (Tuesday, September 24th 2024)

This month and next month the Valley County Commissioners will be holding public meetings across Valley County.

Glasgow Chamber Announces Scottie Pride Button Winners

Posted (Tuesday, September 24th 2024)

The Glasgow Chamber has announced the winners of the Scottie Pride Button drawings that took place during Homecoming Week in Glasgow.

Randy Holom Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From Montana Hospital Association

Posted (Tuesday, September 24th 2024)

The Montana Hospital Association is pleased to announce recipients of its top honors for 2024 recognizing a set of individuals and organizations dedicated to excellence and quality in care. The winners of the Montana Healthcare Awards for 2024 are:

Lifetime Achievement Award: Randall Holom
Holom served as CEO of Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital in Glasgow starting in 1997 and had the role until his retirement in 2022.

Trustee of the Year Award: Dr. George R. “Russ” Bell, St. Peter’s Health, Helena

Innovation in Healthcare Award: St. Peter’s Health, Helena

Quality Program of the Year (awarded by the Montana Rural Healthcare Performance Improvement Network Program): Mountainview Medical Center, White Sulphur Springs

“Every year, it’s our honor to present the Montana Healthcare Awards. This recognition showcases individuals and organizations who are leading the way to make Montana stronger and healthier. This year’s recipients represent a dedication to quality healthcare that should make all Montanans proud,” said Bob Olsen, Montana Hospital Association President and CEO. “Please help us in congratulating these well-deserving award recipients and join us in offering our thanks for their hard work and service.”

Valley County Commissioners Meeting

Posted (Monday, September 23rd 2024)

The Valley County Commissioners will meet Wednesday, September 25th at 10:30am at the Valley County Courthouse.

Remains of 3 young people repatriated to Fort Belknap Indian Community

Posted (Friday, September 20th 2024)

On Thursday, September 19, 2024, the Fort Belknap Indian Community welcomed home the remains of three young people who died in a boarding school in Carlisle, Pennsylvania more than 100 years ago.

The three people:

Almeda Heavy Hair (Heavy Hair on Side of the Head), Niece of Lamebull
Entered Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, PA on April 13, 1890
Date of Death – August 28, 1894 (16 years of age)

Bishop L. Shield (Sleeps High) – Father (Little Shield), Mother (Paunch Arm)
Entered Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, PA on April 13, 1890
Date of Death – July 30, 1890 (17 years of age)

John Bull (Dwarf) – Family Members Unknown
Entered Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Carlisle, PA on April 13, 1890
Date of Death – May 7, 1891 (16 years of age)

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School operated between 1879 and 1918.

During that period more than 10,000 Native American children were enrolled there, representing an estimated 50 tribal nations.

(This story from April of 2024)

The U.S. Army announced Wednesday that the remains of 11 children, including three from a north-central Montana tribe will be disinterred and returned to family later this year.

This is the seventh year the Army has exhumed the remains of Native American children buried at Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania and returned them to family.

According to the Army, all the children were buried more than 100 years ago.

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School operated between 1879 and 1918. During that period more than 10,000 Native American children were enrolled there, representing some 50 tribal nations.

In September of 2023, a Blackfeet child who died at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School was disinterred. The U.S. Army returned Launey Short's remains to their family in a dignified transfer.

In January the Fort Peck Tribes signed claims requesting two members of the tribe taken to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School be disinterred and returned to the reservation.

Peter Howe died at the age of 16 from tuberculosis at the Carlisle School in June of 1896. Christine Redstone, who was taken to Carlisle at age 6, died of tuberculosis at the age of 24 in July of 1899.

According to the Fort Peck Tribes, the earliest these remains may be disinterred and repatriated is September of 2026.

Hudyma And Martin Crowned Scottie Homecoming King And Queen

Posted (Friday, September 20th 2024)

Glasgow Scottie Homecoming coronation was a huge success and great event! 2024 year homecoming King and Queen: Connor Hudyma and Macy Martin! Congratulations to these two great individuals.

Overall, a huge success with a great turnout and performances by our Scottie Pep Band and Swing Choir.

GO SCOTTIES!

Valley County Unemployment Rate 2.6% In August

Posted (Friday, September 20th 2024)

Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate rose 0.1% to 3.2% in August and remains a percentage point below the national average of 4.2%, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

“Thanks to our impressive job and wage growth, Montanans are better equipped to handle still-high inflation brought on by the Biden-Harris administration,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to grow our economy and welcome investment from around the world to create good-paying jobs and help more Montanans reach the American dream.”

The state’s unemployment rate of 3.2% in August continues a record of 38 consecutive months with the rate at or below 3.4%. The next closest stretch was during 2006 and 2007, when the state’s unemployment rate remained at or below 3.4% for 15 consecutive months.

The unemployment rate in Valley County was 2.6% in August which is up from 2.0% in August of 2023.

There was a labor force of 3,986 in Valley County which is up 91 from last year.

Town Pump Charitable Foundation Matching Donations To Valley Community Emergency Food Bank

Posted (Friday, September 20th 2024)

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

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

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

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

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

BLM Releases Western Solar Plan

Posted (Thursday, September 19th 2024)

Under the Bureau of Land Management’s recently released Western Solar Plan for 11 states, Montana is predicted to see the least amount of development.

One projection by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory predicts that by 2045, only about 5,300 acres (about 8 square miles) of BLM land would be developed for solar projects in northeastern Montana.

In comparison, Wyoming could see more than 27,000 acres (42 square miles) holding solar panels.

Montana contains more than 8 million acres of BLM lands. Out of these, 7.46 million acres were excluded from consideration for solar development. That left more than 574,000 acres accessible to solar projects. That's almost 900 square miles.

In Wyoming, 14.23 million acres of BLM land were excluded from consideration leaving about 3.81 million acres available (almost 6,000 square miles). These lands in Wyoming are spread across the state with the exclusion of the forested northwestern corner, home to Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.

For comparison, Arizona would see the most BLM acreage developed, based on the predictions, at more than 198,000 acres, about 300 square miles.

The Bureau of Land Management's solar plan focuses on 11 western states, including Montana and Wyoming.

These details are within the vast Final Utility-Scale Solar Energy Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement and Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendments — more simply known as the updated Western Solar Plan. (The first solar plan was finalized in 2012.)

The document was released to the public in late August, triggering a 30-day protest period and 60-day governor’s consistency review.

The pages of analysis considered such varied topics as cultural resources, water, recreation, socioeconomics and tribal interests to name just a few. Four pages are dedicated solely to acronyms and abbreviations used in the documents, including such obscure ones as VdB — vibration velocity decibels.

There are currently no solar energy projects on BLM-administered lands in Montana.

Nationwide, since the first plan was drawn up, the BLM has permitted 41 projects with the capacity to produce more than 9,000 megawatts on approximately 75,000 acres (117 square miles), mostly in the six southwestern states. There is one project on BLM land in Wyoming.


Building a solar project in wildlife habitat was one of the concerns voiced by Jake Schwaller, who represented the Montana Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers at a BLM scoping session in Billings in 2023.

Much of the BLM lands in Montana, he told the scoping group, "are prime antelope, mule deer, and elk habitat.”


He added the state’s hunters “would certainly hate to lose” more public lands to recreate on.

At the same meeting, Rebecca Reidl, field representative for the Laborer’s International Union of North America, suggested consideration be given in any solar development to employing local union workers. She claimed a project built near Lavina brought in foreign employees.

Lori Byron, founder of Montana Health Professionals for Healthy Climate, praised the expansion of renewable energy projects on federal lands, saying it is “much more favorable than seeing a fracking operation.”

BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, herself a Montana resident, praised the updated Western Solar Plan as a “responsible, pragmatic strategy for developing solar energy on our nation’s public lands that supports national clean energy goals and long-term national energy security.

“It will drive responsible solar development to locations with fewer potential conflicts while helping the nation transition to a clean energy economy, furthering the BLM’s mission to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations,” Manning added in a press release.


No solar developments are authorized through the planning effort. Proposed projects will still undergo site-specific environmental review and public comment.

To date, the Biden-Harris administration has approved 40 renewable energy projects on public lands (nine solar, 13 geothermal, and 18 gen-ties) allowing for early achievement of the goal to permit 25 gigawatts by 2025, the BLM said. Gen-ties are power lines that connect a power generation facility to the transmission system.

In total, the BLM has now permitted clean energy projects on public lands with a total capacity of approximately 29 gigawatts of power — enough to power more than 12 million homes. As of 2022, it was estimated the U.S. contained 144 million homes.

This year, the agency also issued a final Renewable Energy Rule that will lower consumer energy costs and the cost of developing solar and wind projects, improve project application processes, and incentivize developers to continue responsibly developing solar and wind projects on public lands, the BLM said.

New Orleans Murder Suspect Arrested In Poplar

Posted (Wednesday, September 18th 2024)

A New Orleans murder suspect was taken into custody on tribal lands in Poplar on Monday.

New Orleans Police identified Courtney Cantrell as a suspect for the murder of 45-year-old Patricia Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald's body was found under the wharves near Esplanade Avenue and the Mississippi River in Louisiana on Aug. 19.

There was an active warrant for Cantrell's arrest and he is currently being held by the Fort Peck Tribal Police.

A hearing is scheduled to transfer custody of Cantrell from Tribal Police to the State of Montana and then to New Orleans Police.

If you have any information about the crime contact the New Orleans Police Department's detectives at 504-658-5300.

Montana OPI Continues To Offer Grants To Montana School Teachers

Posted (Wednesday, September 18th 2024)

On August 20, 2024, Superintendent Arntzen announced that the Office of Public Instruction (OPI) allocated $1.5 million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to Montana teachers for math and reading projects in a partnership with DonorsChoose. This partnership offers K-12 public school teachers $500 to purchase teaching and learning materials, supplies, and technology that increase math and reading skills for Montana students.

“As a teacher of 23 years, I understand the challenges our teachers face when purchasing learning materials for their classrooms,” said Superintendent Elsie Arntzen. “These precious tax dollars have supported teaching and learning in over half of our Montana public schools. We are all Montana proud of all our teachers for putting our students first.”

As of September 16, 2024, Superintendent Arntzen has funded 1,283 math projects and 1,831 reading projects for a total of $1,103,387.20 (Note: some projects support both math and reading). In total, 2,448 Montana teachers in 211 school districts have submitted approved projects. There have been:

912 projects in grades K-2
738 projects in grades 3-5
472 projects in grades 6-8
326 projects in grades 9-12

Montana teachers can submit a math or reading project by:

Visiting the DonorsChoose Montana Teachers page
Teaching K-12 in a Montana public school
Creating a new project.

Insuring that the project’s total goal is under $500.

Requesting resources to accelerate teaching and learning in math and/or reading.

Alive @ 5 Canceled

Posted (Wednesday, September 18th 2024)

Press Release from Glasgow Downtown Association:

Unfortunately, we decided to cancel this week's Alive at 5. The potential for how awful the weather will be is just too big a risk. However, we are moving the Ashley Westcott to the Montana starting at 6pm.

Below is our official statement.

We are saddened to announce that we are canceling Wednesday's official Alive @ 5 due to impending weather.

But fret not, the lovely Ashley Westcott will be boot-scootin' at the Montana Bar starting at 6pm.

Your friendly GDA members will be there selling our 2025 Reverse Raffle tickets for a chance to win $5,000! And we will be announcing this year's WINNER(S)!

We will also be holding a 50/50 drawing.

Stand by for the Fire Truck Pull Finally, we are still working on that.

We thank our amazing hosts The Rundle Suites for being flexible! You just can't predict the weather.
We will see you and A. E. Catering next year.

Thank you so much for understanding, we hope to see you at the Montana Bar.

Storm System Bringing Moisture To Eastern Montana

Posted (Tuesday, September 17th 2024)

The next storm system approaches today with thunderstorm chances increasing this afternoon. A steady rain starts tonight and lasts all day Wednesday thru Thursday morning.

License Plate Readers Installed Along US Highway 2 On Fort Peck Indian Reservation

Posted (Tuesday, September 17th 2024)

The Valley County Sheriff's Office in conjunction with the Fort Peck Tribes has acquired and is installing License Plate Readers along Highway 2 on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation.

As a requirement for the installation of the ALPR the Valley County Sheriff's Office is publicizing their Automated License Plate Reader Policy.

Glasgow Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast

Posted (Tuesday, September 17th 2024)

The Glasgow Kiwanis Club will be cooking breakfast on Saturday at Prairie Ridge Village! This is the Annual Glasgow Kiwanis Club Pancake Breakfast.

Glasgow City Council To Meet Monday

Posted (Monday, September 16th 2024)

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

Angle-In Parking Now In Place For Portion Of 2nd Avenue South And 3rd Street South

Posted (Monday, September 16th 2024)

The City of Glasgow has decided to return part of the downtown parking to angle-in parking.

The striping for the project was completed September 16th and angle-in parking is now implemented for portions of 2nd Avenue South and 3rd Street South.

Available parking downtown is now increased by 20-30%

Angle parking has been implemented on the south side of 2nd Ave South and the east side of 3rd St S.

A midblock van-accessible handicap parking space has been built between 6th St S and 5th St S and ADA ramp.

Maintaining streets that are angle-parked is a little different than parallel-parked streets, so there will be some additional overnight parking restrictions to allow crews the opportunity to do snow removal, sweeping and other maintenance.

There will be additional signage and parking enforcement.

The total project cost is estimated at $22,599.73. That does include money for additional sidewalk and gutter work outside of the angle-in parking project

Valley County Commissioners Meet Wednesday

Posted (Monday, September 16th 2024)

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

Valley County Commissioners Approve Purchase Of Skid Steer For Valley County Landfill

Posted (Monday, September 16th 2024)

The Valley County Commissioners last week approved the purchase of a Skid Steer to be used at the Valley County Landfill. Two bids were obtained including a bid from John Deere and Cat.

The John Deere bid was for $123,624 with a broom, forks, grapple and snow pusher with a 5-year warranty. The bid from Cat was for $124,450 with broom, forks, grapple and snow pusher with a 2-year 2000 hour warranty.

The commissioners voted 3-0 to accept the bid from John Deere for the new Skid Steer.

The commissioners and members of the public had a spirited discussion regarding the purchase of the Skid Steer.

To view the Commissioner meeting from last week:

https://www.valleycountymt.gov/board-county-commissioners/pages/video-recordings-discussion-and-decision-meetings

Two Citations Issued For Selling Alcohol To Minors In Valley County

Posted (Monday, September 16th 2024)

Valley County Sheriff Tom Boyer told Kltz/Mix-93 that the VCSO conducted 33 compliance checks on Valley County businesses that sell alcohol and 2 citations were issued for selling alcohol to minors.

The compliance checks were conducted this past weekend and Boyer said 2 citations were issued and both were in the city limits of Glasgow.

The Valley County Sheriff's Office announced last week they would be conducting compliance checks at establishments that sell and/or serve alcoholic beverages within Valley County.

Sheriff Boyer said law enforcement officials are running the checks to help businesses avoid liquor law violations and at the same time combat the underage drinking problem that runs throughout Montana.

AAA Reports Gas Prices Falling To $3.23 Per Gallon Nationwide

Posted (Friday, September 13th 2024)

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 13, 2024)—The national average for a gallon of gas kept up its torrid pace of decline, sinking six cents since last week to $3.23. The primary culprits behind the dip are low demand and falling oil costs. Meanwhile, the national average cost for public EV charging finally moved after a static few months, ticking a penny higher.

“There are an ever-increasing number of states east of the Rockies that have some retail gas locations selling regular for under $3 a gallon, so drivers will have more in their wallets with autumn approaching,” said Andrew Gross, AAA spokesperson. “Should the national average fall below $3, it will be the first time since May 2021.”

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

According to new data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), gas demand fell last week from 8.93 million b/d to 8.47. Meanwhile, total domestic gasoline stocks rose 219.2 to 221.6 million barrels, and gasoline production decreased last week, averaging 9.4 million barrels per day. Tumbling gasoline demand and oil costs will likely keep pump prices sliding.

Today’s national average for a gallon of gas is $3.23, 21 cents less than a month ago and 59 cents less than a year ago.

The average price for gasoline in Montana is $3.37 per gallon.

Oil Market Dynamics

At the close of Wednesday’s formal trading session, WTI rose by $1.56 to settle at $67.31 a barrel. The EIA reports that crude oil inventories increased by 0.8 million barrels from the previous week. At 419.1 million barrels, U.S. crude oil inventories are about 4% below the five-year average for this time of year.

First Mosquito Test Results Negative For West Nile Virus

Posted (Thursday, September 12th 2024)

Glasgow Mosquito District has results back from their first batch of testing for West Nile Virus. No cases were found in the test, which was done within two miles east and west of Glasgow, including Sullivan Park.

The district runs each test for a week; the second test results have been sent to Helena and the Glasgow Mosquito District will pass along the results as soon as they receive the information.

Auditors say Office of Public Instruction may have misspent $67M of federal funding

Posted (Thursday, September 12th 2024)

State auditors told Montana lawmakers that they’ve uncovered more than $67 million in questionable spending of federal pass-through money in the state’s education department, including one district that bought massage chairs for the teachers lounge.

And as auditors reviewed the findings which, in some cases, were so incomplete that they couldn’t determine if federal law was even being followed, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Elsie Arntzen was traveling on an airplane and couldn’t answer some of the questions, to the irritation of lawmakers who said that relatively recently hired staff should not have to answer for Arntzen’s leadership or legacy.

“These are significant findings and as elected officials in charge of this, we require them to be here,” said Sen. Jason Ellsworth, who serves as both the Senate president and the chairman of the Legislative Audit Committee. “We are going to reserve this opportunity for her to come here and answer these questions.”

Arntzen later appeared via video, apologized for being delayed, and ultimately spent around 20 minutes speaking with lawmakers, assuring them that newly minted positions were created in part because of the negative audit findings. Arntzen is termed out of the elected position and departs at the end of the year.

The Montana Office of Public Instruction audit was just one of a stack the Legislative Audit Committee will examine on Wednesday and Thursday in marathon sessions, which included lawmakers working through lunch. Much of the committee work has been focused on ways that state agencies spend money given by the federal government. But that money comes with strings attached, usually in the form of auditing requirements that ensure the way the state allocates money matches how Congress mandates it.

However, the audit for the state’s Office of Public Instruction found $67.5 million in “known questioned costs,” which was money that didn’t have documentation for how it was spent, or money that was spent, but didn’t seem to match the purpose of the federal programming.

Lawmakers appeared irritated and frustrated at points because they noted that many of the problems identified in the audit had been previously flagged two years ago, but remained largely unresolved. Out of the five adverse opinions issued by legislative auditors for the entire state audit, three were in the OPI.

“That’s an enormous amount of money,” said Sen. Kathy Kelker, D-Billings.

April Grady, the recently hired chief financial officer for OPI, said that several positive steps had already occurred within the agency, including hiring an internal control auditor as well as making progress on 13 open positions at the agency.

“We were an aging agency with high turnover,” Grady said.

When the new internal control auditor at OPI introduced herself, Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, asked about the reporting structure. The new auditor said she reports to John McCormick, the chief accountability officer.

Ellsworth questioned why the chief accountability officer had not taken responsibility for making changes, and wondered if there was a redundancy.

“Then what’s the role of the accountability officer,” Ellsworth asked.

McCormick was also not in attendance at the meeting.

Jessie Curtis, a certified public accountant and the compliance audit supervisor for the Legislative Audit Division, addressed some of the problems, saying that a lot of money came to the state as a result of the federal government’s response to COVID, creating either new or one-time programs that needed auditing. However, she told the committee of lawmakers that many of the problems were endemic to OPI, and not just the result of new or one-time programs.

“The OPI staff have responded that many of these issues were caused by the federal government,” Curtis said. “However, we found that often incorrect information was submitted or that the office didn’t track required expenditures.”

Much of the information auditors had to report required multiple inquiries, and the auditing staff said that high staff turnover led to an exceptionally long process through OPI.

Auditors faulted the state’s education department for failing to properly ensure that it served the intended purpose, often doling out money, then not following up with documentation. That means as much as $52 million went untracked without receipts, documentation, or site visits. Those problems had been flagged during the 2021-2022 audit cycle, but Curtis told legislators many of the recommendations were not implemented by Arntzen.

For example, Curtis said a lot of the funding tied to federal dollars came in the form of construction. But, federal funding requires contractor wage certification, ensuring that construction contractors are paying required living wages of the workers and contractors on site. That was not tracked, Curtis said.

Curtis said that of $52 million questioned through the Education Stabilization Fund and part of the coronavirus relief, OPI could only provide documentation for around $200,000 when auditors asked.

Among those costs was a grant to a Montana school district for massage chairs. The explanation was that the school district would put them in the teachers’ lounge as a way to help retain staff during the pandemic. Other expenditures included approval for pizza with no accompanying documentation.

Many of those expenses audit staff review were requests for cash from programs and districts that were aimed at supporting literacy. Auditors said there was so little documentation for some of the cash requests that they stopped asking for more information because the system simply failed the audit.

In that case, auditors questioned $5.9 million in costs, but they said that is just an estimate.

“It could be as much as $25 million,” Curtis said.

Two larger school districts were also cut out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for special education programs. Both Great Falls and Billings Public Schools later received full funding, but auditors caught a discrepancy that showed other districts around the state may have been overpaid, while Great Falls was out $290,000 and Billings was short-changed $470,000.

Thousands Have Claimed Montana Property Tax Rebate

Posted (Thursday, September 12th 2024)

Thousands of Montana taxpayers have already successfully claimed and received property tax relief. The Montana Department of Revenue has approved over 176,000 claims.

The Montana Property Tax Rebate provides qualifying Montanans up to $675 of property tax relief on a primary residence in 2024. The qualifications to claim the rebate are available at getmyrebate.mt.gov.

Qualified Montana taxpayers have until October 1 to claim their rebate.

The fastest way for taxpayers to claim the rebate is online at getmyrebate.mt.gov. Mailing a paper application form will add processing time.

This year’s rebate claim application process has been streamlined, making it easier and faster for Montanans to apply for and receive the 2023 property tax rebate. Rebates are being issued via paper check. Most electronically filed rebates are issued within 30 days of filing, while paper-filed rebates may take up to 60 days to process.

“I was proud to sign into law the largest property tax rebate in Montana’s history,” said Governor Greg Gianforte. “It’s important that eligible Montana taxpayers go to getmyrebate.mt.gov in order to claim their rebate before the October 1 deadline. While these rebates help offset the property tax increase of the average Montana homeowner, I’m committed to delivering long term relief in the next legislative session. Working with the legislature, we’ll get it done.”

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

Last year, Governor Gianforte delivered Montana homeowners the largest property tax rebate in state history as well as permanent reforms, saving property taxpayers more than $120 million. Taken together, these immediate measures delivered this year and last more than offset the property tax increase of the average Montana homeowner.

Homecoming Parade Route Announced

Posted (Thursday, September 12th 2024)

NEXT Friday's Homecoming Parade Route in Downtown Glasgow! Line-up at 2:00 PM starting in the front of the Civic Center. Homecoming Parade begins at 2:30 PM on September 20th.

Scottie Homecoming Royalty Announced

Posted (Thursday, September 12th 2024)

2024 Scottie Homecoming Candidates have been announced!

King— Connor Hudyma, Jose Lopez, Nicolas Solorzano

Queen— Macy Martin, Jorden Mix, Summer Strommen

Two Cases Of West Nile Virus Have Been Reported In Valley County

Posted (Wednesday, September 11th 2024)

Two cases of West Nile Virus have been reported in Valley County.

West Nile virus is spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night.

There are no vaccines or medicines to prevent West Nile.

The best way to prevent WNV infection is to prevent getting bitten by mosquitoes. You can take steps to minimize your possibility of encountering WNV (and sometimes mosquitoes!) by remembering the 4Ds of WNV Prevention:

DRESS: Wear shoes, socks, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active. Clothing should be light colored and made of tightly woven materials to keep mosquitoes away from the skin.

DRAIN: Reduce the amount of standing water in or near your property by draining and/or removing it. Mosquitoes may lay eggs in areas with standing water. Necessary standing water should be changed (e.g. birdbath), moved (e.g. adding a fountain to a pond), or covered (e.g. putting a mesh screen over a water barrel).

DEET: For additional protection from mosquitoes, use an insect repellent containing DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide) or picaridin (KBR 3023). Other insect repellents such as oil of lemon eucalyptus and IR3535 are also registered by the EPA but may be less effective than products containing DEET. It is important to follow the product guidelines when using insect repellent.

DAWN/DUSK: Whenever possible, avoid spending time outside at dawn and dusk. This is when the mosquitoes that spread WNV are most likely to bite. If you keep windows open in your home, make sure that you are using well-fitting screens without holes or tears, to prevent mosquitoes from coming inside.

Glasgow School Board To Meet Wednesday

Posted (Wednesday, September 11th 2024)

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

Cooler Temperatures And Rainfall Forecast For Northeast Montana

Posted (Tuesday, September 10th 2024)

National Weather Service:

A weather system will move through the region bringing cooler temps and beneficial rainfall by Saturday morning. The lowest confidence for accumulations exists from Glasgow eastward toward the MT/ND border.

Valley County Commissioners Meeting

Posted (Tuesday, September 10th 2024)

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

$159,000 In August Marijuana Sales For Valley County

Posted (Tuesday, September 10th 2024)

The Montana Department of Revenue is reporting that marijuana sales in Valley County totaled $159,630 in the month of August. This is the largest number of sales in Valley County for 2024.

The sales amount compares to $154,331 in July, $144,103 in June and $141,105 in May.

Roosevelt County had sales of $530,040, Sheridan County had sales of $109,865 and Richland County had sales of $1,015,490. Marijuana sales aren't allowed in Phillips, Daniels, Garfield or McCone County.

The county with the largest amount of sales was Yellowstone County with $4,817,765 followed by Gallatin County with over $4.6 million.

Montana had sales of $29.7 million in August and since sales began in January of 2022, sales have totaled over $838 million.

Prairie Ridge Village Shines Bright with New Sign, Thanks to Valley County Storefront and Downtown Signage Grants

Posted (Monday, September 9th 2024)

In a move that reflects its commitment to excellence, Prairie Ridge Village has unveiled a beautiful new sign, funded by the Valley County Storefront Beautification and Glasgow Downtown Signage grants. This upgrade is more than just a fresh look; it represents the facility's dedication to enhancing the overall aesthetic of their campus and continuing to serve as a valuable asset to Glasgow and the surrounding communities.

Amber Swindler, the Director of Prairie Ridge Village, expressed her enthusiasm about the new addition. "We strive to be the best assisted living facility; from not only the care we provide but to the overall aesthetic as well. We do not set the bar for average, but for excellence in all areas. We have worked very hard to be an asset to the people of Glasgow and the surrounding communities. This sign needs to be replaced, and in doing so, it will complement the new patio areas and flower garden of our campus nicely."

Two Rivers Economic Growth's Executive Director, Shyanne Wallace, also shared her excitement about the project. "Two Rivers is so pleased to be able to provide these grants to Valley County. The new sign at Prairie Ridge Village is simply stunning."

The new sign is not only a functional update but also a significant part of Prairie Ridge Village's broader efforts to enhance its environment. The facility has recently invested in revitalizing its outdoor spaces, including the addition of a new patio and a beautiful flower garden. This comprehensive approach to improvement underscores Prairie Ridge Village's ongoing mission to provide not just superior care but also a welcoming and aesthetically pleasing environment for its residents.

The grants from the Valley County Storefront Beautification and Glasgow Downtown Signage programs were instrumental in making this enhancement possible. By supporting projects like this, these programs contribute to the overall vibrancy and attractiveness of our community, ensuring that local businesses and facilities can continue to thrive and serve their neighbors effectively.

With the new sign now in place, Prairie Ridge Village stands as a testament to the positive impact of community support and thoughtful investment in local infrastructure. The facility's dedication to excellence in all areas—care, environment, and appearance—continues to set a high standard and inspire those around it.

Warm Weather Forecast For Northeast Montana

Posted (Sunday, September 8th 2024)

Upper ridge will bring dry and hot weather to northeast Montana today.

Highs will be in the 90s for most locations today and Monday.

A cold front on Tuesday will bring cooler temperatures. An upper trough will bring frequent chances for showers starting Tuesday night and continuing Wednesday and Thursday.

Glasgow School Teachers Receive Grant Funding For Classroom

Posted (Sunday, September 8th 2024)

From Glasgow School District:

The Montana Office of Public instruction recently allocated $1.5 Million in federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds to Montana teachers.

Through a partnership with DonorsChoose, a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit, they offered $500 direct grants to all K-12 public school teachers in Montana.

We are happy to announce that our teachers were very successful in chasing these grant funds through the required application process!! The following NINE Glasgow Public School teachers have been notified that they will be receiving a $500 grant for their classroom this school year:

Mrs. Legare GMS -- "Manipulating Our Way Through Math!"
Mrs. Peters GMS -- "Theatre Math Behind the Scenes"
Mrs. Rasmusan GMS -- "Stay Gold: Captivate Readers Through a Mock Trial!"
Mrs. Swenson Irle -- "4th Grade Novels!"
Ms Winchester Irle -- "HHelping Students Achieve Success!"
Mrs. Hlad Irle -- "Getting Our Hands on Math and Reading"
Mrs. Wilson Irle -- "First Year Kindergarten Classroom"
Mrs. Stutheit Irle -- "Magnetic Phonics Practice Will Stick With Them"
Mrs. Shipp Irle -- "Ready....Set....Focus....Learn!"

GLASGOW HIGH SCHOOL EDUCATIONAL TRUST ANNOUNCES FINANCIAL AID FOR 2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR

Posted (Sunday, September 8th 2024)

The Glasgow High School Educational Trust recently awarded financial aid to 21 GHS graduates who are returning to trade schools or colleges this fall. They attend 12 different schools in five different states and are pursuing very diverse fields of study. They join over 800 other GHS alumni who have benefitted from the Glasgow High School Educational Trust’s financial aid since it was established in 1964. To date, the total dollar value of the trust’s financial aid to students exceeds $3 million dollars.

Financial awards from the GHS Educational Trust are not traditional scholarships only for those with very high grade-point averages. All GHS graduates who are attending an accredited trade school or college full-time within the United States, either online or on campus, and are in good academic standing are given equal consideration if they meet the eligibility requirements. Those requirements are listed on the trust’s webpage, along with the application, at www.ghsedutrust.org.

The next deadline for applications to the trust is October 15, 2024. This aid would be awarded for the Spring 2025 semester only. However, students who received aid now, or who have in the past, may reapply to the trust for the 2025-2026 academic year by July 1, 2025, and in subsequent years, if they continue to meet the requirements. Applications will not be considered if they are late or if the directions have not been followed.

Awards are based primarily on financial need; therefore, the trust has established levels of aid to meet the diverse needs of the applicants.

Over the years, the trust has received donations of all sizes from people across the country and from all walks of life. What they all have in common is an appreciation of higher education and a love for the Glasgow community. As a result of their generosity, the trust now holds assets valued over $11 million dollars. Donations may be made in honor, recognition, or memory of a specific individual, organization, or event. Contributions that total $500 or more in the name of a specific individual or organization allow for a one-time gift to be awarded in that name. Donations of $10,000 or more allow for an ongoing naming opportunity on a regular basis. Information about how to give is also available on the trust’s webpage.

In addition to the financial aid given to students, the Glasgow High School
Educational Trust also purchases equipment and other needed materials or supplies for GHS that cannot be financed through traditional taxpayer funding. Every department of the school has benefitted from these purchases, as does the public at large when it uses the school’s property or attends events held at the school. The total dollar value of the trust’s gifts to the school is $329,953.23.

At its recent regular semi-annual meeting, the trust awarded financial aid to the following students for the 2024-2025 academic year in memory (IMO), in honor (IHO) or in recognition (IRO) of the individual(s) whose name(s) follow theirs.

First-time recipients: Mason Donaldson, U. of Montana, IMO Aaron “Chappy” Chatten, fall semester, IHO Bill and Peggy Pattison Endowment, spring semester; Morgan Fast, MSU, IMO O. E. & Lois Wilson Markle, fall semester, IMO Karen D. Newton, spring semester; Reed Larsen, MSU, IHO Everett and Elizabeth Breigenzer, fall semester, IMO Donald “Don” J. Baker, spring semester; Ava Lloyd, MSU, IRO 1966 Scholarship Gift to Karen A. Swenson, fall semester, IRO Willard and Charlotte Bruce Family, spring semester; Allie Palm, Montana Technological University, IHO Dorothy Kolstad, fall semester, IMO Ardis Parke Fuhrman, spring semester; Mason Swenson, U. of Montana, IMO John and Dolores Wesen, fall semester, IMO F. M. and Bernice Knierim, spring semester; Emma Whitmer, U. of Montana, IMO James “Jamie” K. Fewer, fall semester, IHO James and Ailene Dokken Olk Family, spring semester.

Second-time recipients: Abigail Engstrom, U. of Montana, IRO Tom and Flora Coghlan Family, fall semester, IMO Ivy and Millie Knight, spring semester; Tyann Graham, Montanan Academy of Salons, IMO of Dillon Cassel; Michael Hoyer, Montana Technological U., IMO Ronald A. Combs, fall semester, IMO Wallace L. Johnson, spring semester; Kate Parks Knight, Utah State University, IMO James “Jim” A. Parke, fall semester, IRO Herb & Lucille Freidl Family, spring semester;
Klaire Krumwiede, U. of North Dakota, IHO Beryl Pehlke, fall semester, IMO Lila Moen Sanders and IRO of Phyllis E. Moen Sanguine, spring semester; Kylie Lagerquist, U. of Utah, IMO Phyllis E. Moen Sanguine, fall semester, IMO Dick and Mary Lou Alley Wagenhals, spring semester; Iris McKean U. of Montana, IHO Gayle Wagenhals Sage, fall semester, IHO Sever and Esther Enkerud, spring semester; Bergen Miller, MSU, IMO Leslie L., Lillian, and Mary Margarette Hanson, fall semester, IMO Lois Wilson Markle, spring semester; Abrianna Nielsen, Dickinson State U., IMO Donna Lee Squires Etchart, fall semester, IHO Albertsons Companies, spring semester; Tarin Vandall, U. of Idaho, IMO Verda Hoffarth Stewart, fall semester, IMO L. J. and Jean Baker, spring semester; Mitchel Winchester, MSU, IMO Mitchel Etchart, fall semester, IMO Michael “Mike” C. Kaiser, spring semester;

Third-time recipients: Rachelle Glaser, MSU-Billings, IMO Gary F. Martin, fall semester, IRO Don and Beryl Pehlke, spring semester; Victoria Pehlke, U. of MT-Western, IMO Dr. Nancy Lee Etchart, fall semester, IHO Doug Allie, spring semester.

Fourth-time recipient: Isaac Braaten, S. D. School of Mines, IMO Stan Andersen Family, fall semester, IMO Audrey and Arthur Parke, spring semester.

The trust also purchased the following equipment and uniforms for Glasgow High School: two treadmills for the Physical Education Department, IHO Knierim Law Office, P.C.; 20 uniforms for the Swing Choir, IHO Carl L. Dix.


Update On Downtown Parking Project

Posted (Friday, September 6th 2024)

Update on Downtown Parking Project:

Downtown Parking Project Construction work will start Mon. Sept. 9th between The Loaded Toad & Wheatgrass Art Gallery for the handicap access ramp. On Sun. Sept. 15th part of 2nd Ave. South will be closed to do the striping for diagonal parking.

The City of Glasgow has decided to return part of the downtown parking to angle-in parking. The Downtown Parking Project was awarded to a contractor by the City Council several weeks ago. The start date of the project is still unclear, but the plan will bring many advantages to downtown Glasgow:

Available parking downtown will increase by 20-30%

Angle parking will be implemented on the south side of 2nd Ave South and the east side of 3rd St S.

The plan includes a midblock van-accessible handicap parking space between 6th St S and 5th St S and ADA ramp.

Maintaining streets that are angle-parked is a little different than parallel-parked streets, so there will be some additional overnight parking restrictions to allow crews the opportunity to do snow removal, sweeping and other maintenance.

There will be additional signage and parking enforcement.

The City’s contractor will do their absolute very best to not damage any trees during the construction but there might be one tree in play.

The total project cost is estimated at $22,599.73. That does include money for additional sidewalk and gutter work outside of the angle-in parking project

Glasgow School Board To Address Policy On Student Cell Phones In School

Posted (Friday, September 6th 2024)

t the end of August, Governor Gianforte asked Montana superintendents and school board trustees to adopt policies to limit learning distractions in the classroom and improve student academic performance by establishing cell phone-free schools.

The letter urged school districts to consider adopting policies that create cell phone-free schools as schools across the country, and even in Montana, have already taken the step to do so. As a result of these changes, students can learn and teachers can teach without the distractions of cell phones.

In his letter, the Governor also indicated that studies and data points to the urgent need for school districts to act. “Since the advent of smartphones about 20 years ago, students’ use of these devices, including in schools, has increased. As of 2021, nearly nine out of 10 teenagers and 43 percent of eight to 12 year olds own a smartphone. Ninety-seven percent of 11 to 17 year olds use their cell phone during school, including to text, access social media, play games and watch videos. They receive an average of more than 50 notifications per day on their phones during school hours.”

During a Policy Committee meeting on Aug. 22, Glasgow Schools superintendent Brenner Flaten and the two school board trustees on the committee, Stan Ozark and Derek Beadle, discussed the letter and the current language that is present in all three of the school’s handbooks regarding cell phone usage at the schools.

Three different policy options were presented and on Aug. 23, the Montana School Board Association (MTSBA) visited directly with the Governor’s office and indicated that the second option presented closely reflects the Governor’s suggestions in his letter.

The proposed policy is attached to this news story.

The Glasgow School’s policy will also closely reflect this option, with minimal variation specific to the three Glasgow Schools. The new policy will move through two readings at the board level before becoming official school policy later this fall.

The Glasgow School Board will address the new policy at its meeting next week.

New Glasgow Skatepark Under Construction

Posted (Thursday, September 5th 2024)

Ground has been broken and preliminary work has started on a new Glasgow Skatepark located at Hoyt Park in Glasgow.

A committee of citizens have been busy for months planning and raising funds to construct the skatepark. Over $200,000 has been raised to make the skatepark possible and fundraising continues to additional features such as a bathroom, benches and other amenities.

The Skatepark is located at Hoyt Park and is being built in the same area as the new Glasgow Swimming Pool which is under construction.

Organizers are hoping to have the Skatepark operational in October of this year.

Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital Provides Funding For Fresh Fruit and Vegetables At Glasgow School District

Posted (Thursday, September 5th 2024)

Press Release from Glasgow School District:

We would once again like to share our appreciation for FMDH!

Our local hospital continues to work closely with the Glasgow Public School system.

Glasgow High School and Glasgow Middle School students will once again be treated to FRESH Fruits and Vegetable snacks this school year. This will be in large part due to key financial contributions made by Frances Mahon Deaconess Hospital.

Working together to promote healthy-active bodies; year in and year out.

Alcohol Compliance Checks In September

Posted (Wednesday, September 4th 2024)

In the month of September, the Valley County Sheriff’s Office will be conducting alcohol sales compliance checks. These checks will be conducted at establishments that sell and/or serve alcoholic beverages within Valley County.

Law enforcement officials are running these checks to help businesses avoid liquor law violations and at the same time combat the underage drinking problem that runs throughout Montana.

Businesses and staff are strongly urged to check IDs and refuse service to underage adults.

Canadian Wildfires Diminish Air Quality In Northeast Montana

Posted (Wednesday, September 4th 2024)

Haze and smoke from Canadian wildfires will progress southward across northeast Montana through at least this morning, reducing visibility and air quality to unhealthy levels. Check the latest conditions at http://fire.airnow.gov

Glasgow City Council Votes Final Approval On Budget And Taxes

Posted (Wednesday, September 4th 2024)

The Glasgow City Council met on Tuesday and held public hearings on assessments for lights, streets and garbage along with the city mill levy and fiscal year 2024-2025 budget.

There were no attendees in the audience who voiced an opinion in favor or support of any of the items.

The General Fund Budget is the largest budget for the city and the total amount of that budget is $3,322,649. The largest items in the GF Budget:

Glasgow Police Department: $1.488 million
Glasgow Recreation Department: $423,970
Glasgow Fire Department: $138,280
Glasgow City Parks: $81,856

The City Water Budget comes in at $2.196 million and the City Sewer Budget is $1.843 million.

The City of Glasgow also has assessments for city lighting, streets and garbage pickup:

Street Assessments: $614,138
Garbage Pick Up Assessments: $400,322
Lighting Assessments: $189,448