Montana’s rivers are becoming more crowded, and the outfitting industry thinks it’s being unfairly targeted by regulations as outdoor recreation becomes more popular nationwide. The Montana Environmental Quality Committee met on Wednesday morning, April 1, to discuss the state’s waters, with essentially unanimous agreement they are in trouble. Dropping fish populations, high usage of

Research in the Montana State University College of Agriculture received continued support from the Montana Fertilizer Advisory Committee last month, advancing knowledge around soil acidity, water use efficiency, new crops and more. The committee annually awards funds that are collected through an assessment on commercial fertilizers. Those funds support research and education focused on soil

A new initiative to cap local property tax increases at 2 percent was rolled out Monday, March 23, by Republican legislator Wylie Galt of Martinsdale. The initiative would amend the state Constitution to cap property tax increases by all local governments at 2 percent, except for increases related to property improvements, like a new deck, or new property such as newly built homes. The cap applies

The Montana Department of Agriculture is now accepting applications for more than $2.7 million in federal funding available through the Specialty Crop Block Grant program. The purpose of the program is to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops in Montana. Specialty crops include fruits and vegetables, peas, lentils, dried fruits, as well as horticulture, nursery crops, and floriculture.

Blue Cross Blue Shield fought this week in Lewis and Clark County District Court to stop the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance from moving ahead with an investigation into a massive data breach, affecting more than 460,000 Montanans. Montana’s largest insurance carrier told Judge Christopher Abbott the process has been stacked against it and it hasn’t been able to properly

Fourth of July fireworks are an American tradition, and this year’s Fourth celebration promises to be even more spectacular with the United States commemorating its 250th anniversary of independence. The Town Pump Charitable Foundation is offering to help communities across Montana that want to celebrate this year with a fireworks show by providing “Light Up the Big Sky” grants to help

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will be holding an informational fisheries meeting at the Sheridan County Library Jubilee Room on Tuesday evening, February 24, from 6-8 p.m. Regional fisheries technician Hayden Cody, along with regional fisheries manager Tyler Haddix, will provide an overview of pond and small reservoir sampling in 2025, including Box Elder Reservoir sampling results, stocking

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry is warning residents and businesses about a phishing scam in which fraudsters impersonate officials through deceptive emails, often appearing to come from a fictitious “Bridget Hawkins” or similar names, reference “code enforcement notices,” request confirmation of received documents, or urge recipients to sign and return attachments.