As the school year starts in Montana, many communities are struggling finding the teachers they need for their students. U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., says he is troubled by the teacher shortage in the state and especially northeastern Montana. He feels the key to attracting quality teachers is investing in public schools. Tester has pushed for a number of critical investments in public

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State and local public health officials are reporting the season’s first West Nile virus detections in positive mosquito samples in Dawson and Lewis and Clark counties. The first horse infected with WNV this season was also confirmed earlier last week in Lewis and Clark County. To date, no human cases of WNV have been identified this season. Increased risk of WNV infection in humans and

The annual application period for the Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program, a grant funding program administered by Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, opened Sept. 1. The purpose of WHIP is to accomplish large-scale restoration of private and publicly owned high-priority wildlife habitats through noxious weed management. Grant expenditures are limited to herbicide, mechanical, biocontrol and

Attorney General Austin Knudsen and the Montana Highway Patrol are reminding motorists to follow all school bus and school zone traffic laws as students return to the classroom. By simply following the law and taking necessary precautions, motorists can help ensure Montana students get to and from school safely. “We can all do our part to ensure children get to and from school safely each

It’s important to continue to clean, drain and dry your boat and gear when you recreate on the water to prevent the potential spread of aquatic invasive species. So far this year, Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and its partners have inspected more than 84,000 watercraft, 46 of which were mussel-fouled and 300 were found with aquatic weeds. FWP asks for the public’s help with AIS early detection.

The Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has been hosting a series of public meetings to gather ideas about local elk management issues and population objectives. On Sept. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m., staff will host a question- and-answer session via Zoom. To participate in the online session, register at https://fwp.mt.gov/aboutfwp/ public-comment-opportunities/ elk-plan-scoping by noon Sept. 25.

If you believe in the Farmers Almanac’s predictions, you better start planning to buddle up for this winter’s weather. The Almanac’s website reads, “Shivery temperatures are predicted to rattle warm weather seekers in the Southeast and South Central states, but the real shivers might send people in the Great Lakes areas, Northeast and North Central regions hibernating. According to the

The Montana Department of Agriculture is facilitating pesticide disposal events in its Eastern District during the week of Sept. 19. Annual pesticide waste collection events have collected close to 750,000 pounds of pesticide waste from more than 1,800 participants since the program’s inception in 1994. Area Pesticide waste collection dates and locations include: •Tuesday, Sept.