By Bill Vander Weele County commissioners across the state now have more authority when it comes to some public health decisions. The 2021 Montana Legislature passed and Gov. Greg Gianforte signed three laws regarding the decisions of boards of health and county health officials. After Republicans expressed concerns over COVID health orders, the Montana House and Senate approved new laws

Montana’s Missouri River Country and South Saskatchewan Ready have partnered together to form a cross-border tourism promotion. Missouri River Country is a destination marketing organization in northeast Montana. South Saskatchewan Ready is made up of nine rural municipalities near the Saskatchewan-U.S. border. Last week, the two organizations met in person at the Scobey Golf Club House

From MSU News Service Montana State University Extension is accepting applications until Aug. 9 from rural Montana communities to participate in the Reimagining Rural virtual gathering in September and October. Reimagining Rural brings inspirational stories of success in small towns to local gatherings of community volunteers. Communities gather for three evening events that feature live

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., has issued the following statement on reports that President Biden is working to issue a “climate emergency.” “President Biden needs to wake up and address the real emergencies Montanans are facing under his Administration. Montanans are being crushed under the weight of the highest inflation in over 40 years, gas that is nearly $5 a gallon, American energy

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced the following appointments on Friday, July 22: Board of Housing John Wright, Billings: A partner with Halverson, Mahlen & Wright, PC, Wright brings expertise in construction disputes, construction defect, and professional liability. His term will run through Jan. 5, 2025. Board of Sanitarians Megan Bullock, Boulder: The Jefferson County Sanitarian since

The Montana Supreme Court unanimously decided last week to void sanctions and a contempt order filed earlier this year against the Office of State Public Defenders by a Yellowstone County district judge. In the past year, Yellowstone County District Judge Donald Harris twice found OPD in contempt of court for not promptly assigning counsel to defendants, resulting in $24,000 worth of fines.

The Glasgow Reds, which feature three players from Wolf Point High School, placed third at the Eastern A district baseball tournament during the weekend. The Reds fell to the Billings Blue Jays, 12-2, in the opening round of the tournament. Having Glasgow’s two hits were Juliun Benson and Jack Kolstad. The Reds bounced back with a 15-4 victory over Richland County on Friday, July 22.