Montana’s unemployment rate hit another record low in February, dropping to 2.6 percent for the month, down from January’s rate of 2.7 percent. Montana’s total employment and labor force continued to show strong growth in February, both setting new all-time highs. “Hardworking Montanans and Montana businesses are fueling our historic economic recovery, with record-low unemployment in

By Bill Vander Weele While the war between Russia and Ukraine continues, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said sanctions against Russia are important but steps should be taken to control inflation in the United States as well. “Inflation is hurting folks across Montana, and many of us are feeling the pain at the pump in particular. It’s essential that we take action to lower these costs,

By Bill Vander Weele The U.S. Senate, with the support of Montana’s two senators, unanimously passed a resolution to honor the achievements of Native American women throughout American history last week. “Native American women have had a tremendous impact in our society,” U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said during a media conference call last week. “This is to honor them for the long

Four Wolf Point wrestlers placed during the Montana Open held in Billings during the weekend. The event attracted 2,400 young wrestlers, which is the event’s largest turnout ever. Addison Matejovsky earned first place at 75 pounds in the 8-and-under age division. Gina Reum took second place at 84 pounds in the 12-and-under age division. Annaleigh Matejovsky placed third in the 12-and-under

With warmer temperatures and snow quickly disappearing, shed-antler hunters are anxious to get into the field. Buck deer and bull elk and moose grow antlers each year, some to magnificent size, which drop off to regrow each spring. Hunting for and collecting these “shed” antlers in spring has become a popular activity. Many of Montana’s wildlife management areas provide security to wildlife

The 2022 license year opened March 1, which means that is the day you can buy new hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds hunters that the deadline to apply for deer and elk licenses for nonresidents and deer and elk permits for everyone is April 1. Applications for most species — deer, elk, antelope, deer

The Montana Department of Agriculture is announcing an investment of $2.2 million awarded through the Montana Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant program. More than 70 Montana counties, tribes, conservation districts, local communities, and educators were awarded funds to develop and implement noxious weed management programs across Montana. “The Noxious Weed Trust Fund Grants are an excellent

The 2022 Bakken Brewfest is scheduled for Friday, April 15, in Sidney. It will be hosted at the Fair Event Center. The event will feature an “Easter Keg Hunt,” three miniature golf holes, a flip cup gournament and over 50 microbrews, seltzers and wines. There will be fewer brewers present at this year’s Brewfest but organizers offer a huge diversity of regional beers. VIP tickets