A long-time successful business in Wolf Point has now reopened its doors. Bethany Toews is pleased to be the new owner/agent of Squires Insurance in Wolf Point. Toews resumed office hours at 406 Main St. on Monday, July 17. She purchased the business after owner Joan Peters unexpectedly died in April. The business was started by William and Ina Claire Squires. “I know that Joan was excellent,

Erin Solem and Brockton High School students Joel Fish, Diaja Lizotte and Tiana Crow created this mural at B & S Quick Stop on U.S. Highway 2 as part of the Paint the State anti-meth competition. To vote, visit paintthestate.org. Voting is open through Aug. 17. (Photo by Mary Machart)

(This story is excerpted from the MT Lowdown, a weekly newsletter digest containing original reporting and analysis published every Friday.) It’s no secret that prices in Montana’s real estate market have risen dramatically in recent years, but the state’s breakneck appreciation was driven home for many residents in June when the Montana Department of Revenue sent out its every-other-year