Kathleen Williams, the new State Director for USDA Rural Development in Montana, was on the road last week to meet with rural communities and discuss USDA Rural Development’s new Equity Project. According to a press release, the meetings were essentially listening sessions with community stakeholders. “These meetings help USDA Rural Development gain a broader understanding of how loan

In March, the American Red Cross Montana is honoring the people who make its mission possible every day during its annual Red Cross Month celebration — a national tradition started nearly 80 years ago when President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued the first national Red Cross Month proclamation recognizing those who give back through the American Red Cross. Each U.S. president has issued a proclamation

Montana State Fund, the state’s largest workers’ compensation insurance company, has announced a 3 percent average rate reduction for its policyholders. The decision came at the March 11 meeting of the MSF board of directors and is effective for new and renewal policies on or after July 1. This reduction marks the 16th consecutive year MSF rates have remained flat or been reduced. With

Mark Nelson was chosen by the council to represent the council on the Roosevelt County Conservation District and the council approved renewing its membership with Great Northern Development Corporation. During public comment, one resident complained about the number of stray cats in Culbertson. He said vacant houses in the area are contributing to the problem. Minutes were approved for the

The Culbertson School District has worked to make its facility cleaner and updated for its students by utilizing federal ESSER funds. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief act provides funding to address the impact of COVID-19 on elementary and secondary schools. “The board stressed three areas of concern: classroom support, technology and facilities,” Culbertson’s district

There are now five candidates in the race to elect the Roosevelt County sheriff. William “Willy” Black Dog of Poplar filed for the sheriff’s position last week. Incumbent Jason Frederick filed for re-election for the office in January. Other individuals who have filed include David Gonzales, Coretta Greybear and Brent Nygard. Deadline to file for county elections is Monday, March

Roosevelt County commissioners Gary Macdonald and Gordon Oelkers told the Northern Plains Independent that a special meeting scheduled for March 14 will consider adding taxation to marijuana sales in the area. The sole agenda item for the meeting: “Approval of Resolutions 2022-24,” which are a pair of resolutions presenting to qualified electors of Roosevelt County the question of a