A legislative interim committee Thursday, Jan. 4, lent overwhelming support to a proposed ballot initiative that, if passed by voters in 2024, would require most Montana elections to be decided by a majority of the vote. The State Administration and Veterans’ Affairs Committee voted 9-1 in favor of Ballot Issue 13. This means signature-gathering sheets for the initiative will note the committee’s

Registration is now open for the 2024 Montana’s Next Generation Conference in Shelby, which offers 35 workshops for beginning and advanced producers. Montana State University Extension and NACDC Financial Services, Inc. will host the conference at Shelby High School on Saturday, Jan. 27. Participants can choose from six different workshops being held during each hour of the conference. Topics

Average gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $2.91/gallon on Monday, Jan. 8, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 615 stations in Montana. Prices in Montana are 13.0 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and stand 6.3 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has fallen 5.6 cents in the last week and stands

New Year’s Day was cloudy and temperatures had a low of 26 degrees and a high of 37. Dense fog came every morning, bringing looming hills and beautiful frosted trees. The fog lifted Friday morning. Dec. 31 held several parties in homes to watch for the new year. Dan Marasco’s message at the Lustre Community Church on New Year’s Eve was “Waiting on the Lord” from Isiash 40:25-30