Gov. Greg Gianforte announced last week that Montana’s unemployment rate rose 0.1 percent to 3.2 percent in August and remains a percentage point below the national average of 4.2 percent, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. “Thanks to our impressive job and wage growth, Montanans are better equipped to handle still-high

Members of the Wolf Point Community Organization approved a series of donations during its monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 16. The group’s activities committee approved two recipients during its portion of the meeting. Members approved $1,000 for the trunk or treat activity to be held outside of First Lutheran Church in Wolf Point. Members also approved $13,000 for a brunch elder

Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 2.2 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.30/g on Sept. 23, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 615 stations in Montana. Prices in Montana are 13.9 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 86.7 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has declined 2.1 cents in the last week and stands at $3.55 per

The Wolf Point City Council held its regular meeting Monday, Sept. 16. During the public comment period, a local resident asked for a variance to make room for a car port, which extends six feet into a city owned right of way. A revocable license was discussed and approved for the property. Concerns were expressed about setting a precedent for permitting structures after they have been built.

Missoula is one of Montana’s largest cities but is surrounded by rural mountain communities where cattle ranching is king. Despite the latitude and altitude, in recent years the region has experienced punishing summer heat waves. It has been difficult for residents to adapt to the warming climate and new seasonal swings. Many don’t have air conditioning and are unprepared for the new

Along with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, Gov. Greg Gianforte has announced a record-setting oil and gas lease sale on state trust lands, totaling $2.85 million in revenue. “We’ll continue to ramp up American-made energy in Montana to make our state and nation energy independent and secure,” Gianforte said. “All the while, we’ll prioritize additional