ers and other associations are here to protect taxpayers and they count on effective lobbyists. On Wednesday, the measure was voted down in committee by a 28-22 vote.

As general managers of Montana’s electric cooperatives, we urge our state senators and communities to support House Bill 490 (HB 490). This vital piece of legislation ensures our state is better prepared to face the growing threat of wildfires and that our member-owned cooperatives can continue to serve our communities without the risk of being held liable for fires outside of their control.

The parents of a child that the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services removed because of a suicide risk and gender identity filed a motion in court on Wednesday, claiming that the state is continuing to withhold information about their case while turning over the same information to a state lawmaker. Todd and Krista Kolstad are asking a Lewis and Clark County District judge

The updated 2025 calendar year runoff forecast for the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City, Iowa, continues to be below average. February runoff in the Missouri River Basin above Sioux City was 1.0 million acre-feet, 91% of average. “Runoff into the reservoir system was slightly below average for the month of February and conditions across most of the basin remain dry,” said John Remus,

A Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks in-person hunter education field day for online students has been set for Glasgow. The course will be held at the FWP office in Glasgow from 3 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 16. This is a great opportunity for students to become certified to participate in the application for either-sex elk or special deer permits before the April 1 deadline. An in-person classroom

Submissions are open for the 2025 Montana Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest, Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today. Elementary school students throughout Montana are encouraged to participate in the fourth annual poster contest by submitting artwork which displays their appreciation for Montana law enforcement officers. The contest is a partnership between the Attorney

A one-year renewal contract was approved for PRN Staffing Solutions contract effective Feb. 10 and ending on Feb. 10, 2026. The board authorized an agreement between Fort Peck Tribal Health and Loveland Consulting not to exceed the amount of $35,000 for services rendered. The State of Montana Marijuana agreement was approved. A contract with CKF Consulting was approved for 45 weeks

A bill to require voted levies to be expressed in dollars instead of mills passed a preliminary vote Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the Senate after approval in the House. Sponsored by Rep. Larry Brewster, R-Billings, and carried by Sen. Greg Hertz, R-Polson, House Bill 20 aims to simplify information voters receive about levies they’ll consider. Hertz said it means voters won’t end up paying