House District 31 Rep. Frank Smith, D-Poplar, is the sponsor of a proposed bill that would authorize tribal governments to approve cannabis stores on reservations. As of last week, Smith said the bill still hasn’t been written and he’s not positive what the proposal will all include. Smith explained the issue was brought up during a tribal organization’s meeting involving state legislators.

Average gasoline prices in Montana have risen 2.6 cents per gallon in the last week, averaging $3.07/g on Monday, Feb. 24,, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 615 stations in Montana. Prices in Montana are 15.5 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand 8.8 cents per gallon lower than a year ago. The national average price of diesel has increased 1.6 cents in the last week and stands at $3.648

The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board held its full board meeting Feb. 24 in Poplar. The board approved an amended resolution to take the business plan for the meat processing plant and authorize the Economic Development Office to apply for and administer USDA Rural Business Development Grant funding. Board member Jestin Dupree was appointed to represent the Fort Peck Tribes for the tribal

Chronic wasting disease prevalence is increasing in most of northeast Montana, as is the spread of the disease across the landscape. Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks recently tallied results of CWD samples taken during the 2024 big game season. CWD was first detected in northeast Montana in 2018. Annual sampling of hunter- harvested animals, show the prevalence continues to increase, especially

Montana’s minimum wage could be increased to $12.06 an hour if a bill introduced to the House Monday, Feb. 24, passes. Rep. Kelly Kortum, DBozeman, introduced House Bill 484 to the House Business and Labor Committee Monday. Supporters said the state’s current $10.55 rate doesn’t match the cost of living, but opponents disagreed and said the increase could increase inflation. Patrick

Poplar’s boys’ basketball squad upset Harlem, 66-55, in the opening round of the District 2B tournament in Glasgow on Wednesday. The Indians, the sixth seed of the tourney, gained a 19-13 lead in the first quarter and then outscored the Wildcats by a 16-4 margin during the second period. Early in the second quarter, four points by Kaniel Ricker and a basket by Keilen Erickson off a fantastic

Poplar’s girls’ basketball team came up short against Fairview, 47-40, during second round action at the District 2B tournament on Thursday. Fairview gained leads of 11-6 in the first quarter and 24-14 at the half. The Warriors were able to increase their advantage to 42-27 in the third quarter. Braelyn Nordwick scored 23 points to lead the Indians. Mattie Ayers added nine points.