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

The first Ta Sunka Ho Waste Youth Conference is set for Jan. 29-31. It will be held at Thundering Buffalo Health and Wellness Center, 701 Frontage Road in Poplar. Meetings and activities will take place over three days from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The conference, which aims to become an annual event, will be facilitated by Dr. Clayton Small. Ten students from each area school. Selected students

The January calendar of event at the James E. Shanley Tribal Library includes the following events. Drop-in job resume and research help is scheduled from 1-2 p.m. Jan. 22 and Jan. 29. Storytelling Family Night is set for Jan. 17 at 6 p.m. Children’s Storytime is set for 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 23. The Teen Democracy Project meets at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 24. A screening of the film, In The Dirt!

An informational meeting about Certified Nursing Assistant programs is set for Thursday, Jan. 11, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Fort Peck Community College War Eagle Vision Building in Poplar. According to a press release, “Please join us for information and how to sign up for this course. Don’t miss this chance to pursue your CNA career goals.” Applicants may qualify for financial assistance.

Frazer’s speech and drama team competed in Glendive on Saturday, Jan. 13. Kalianna Blount placed fifth in mime. Marick Old Person earned fourth and De’mon Grandchamp took fifth in spontaneous oral interpretation. Takoa Old Person took 11th in humorous oral interpretation. The Bearcubs speech and drama team travels to Fairview on Saturday, Jan. 20.

U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., has announced that he has received the 2023 Rural Champion Award in recognition of his relentless work fighting on behalf of rural America. The One Country Project named Tester a recipient of the annual award citing his leadership in securing funding through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act specifically for rural states, for his work to revitalize the affordable

ness and ability to work with other members toward consensus. Once the council identifies expectations for a new mule deer plan, FWP staff will work on developing the plan through an expansive public process that will include scoping, ample public comment and other public engagement opportunities. The goal is to have a new plan completed by the end of 2024. Anyone interested in serving on