Critical mental health resources will be more accessible than ever for folks in crisis following the signing of U.S. Senator Jon Tester’s bipartisan National Suicide Hotline Designation Act of 2020 into law. “Nobody should have to go far for help during a mental health crisis,” Tester said. “Just like those reaching out to 911 in an emergency, anyone who finds themselves or a loved one

Montana State University Extension has revised a MontGuide that explains how charitable gift annuities could be used to meet both the philanthropic and tax savings goals of many Montanans. “If you made a $10,000 gift to your favorite charity and received a tax credit that reduced your Montana income taxes by over $3,600, would you be interested?” said Wendy Wedum, MSU Pondera County Extension

Tammy Jo Sievers, 58, Richland, made not guilty pleas to two counts during her initial hearing in District Court on Tuesday, Oct. 27. Sievers made the pleas for the charges of being in possession of dangerous drugs, meth, with the intent to distribute and being in possession of drug paraphernalia. If found guilty of the intent to distribute charge, she could be sentenced for up to 20 years

It was a sweet harvest for sugar beet growers in eastern Montana. Harvest was completely done throughout the region on Thursday, Oct. 22. “Usually it’s not over until around Oct. 25-26 or sometimes not until early November,” Sidney Sugars’ agricultural manager Duane Peters said. The big and positive news was a sugar percentage of 19.21 this year. “It was a very good crop,”

Many people have received a savings bond in their life, whether it was a birthday gift or for a graduation or wedding. Montana State University Extension educators say now is a good time to revisit bonds and see if they are still earning interest or have matured. Savings bonds over 30 years are no longer earning interest, said Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist. “Exchange

increased tobacco or alcohol use, can put yourself and those around you at increased risk. Below are some helpful ways to cope with increased stress: •Know what to do if you are sick or need treatment •Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to the news •Learn the facts about COVID-19 and help stop the spread of rumors •Partake in your favorite (socially-distanced)

When Cathy Zabinski decided to write her first book, she steered away from topics she has studied for nearly three decades: soil ecology, remediation of damaged ecosystems and crop rotations. Instead, she picked a new topic, one she could learn about along with her readers. For her main character, she chose the humble wheat plant. Zabinski’s book, Amber Waves: The Extraordinary Biography

last year and the long-term average. Sharp-tailed grouse (48 birds) was also below last year and the long-term average, and Hungarian partridge was slightly above last year but still well below the longterm average “Upland bird reports this year have been better than in recent years, and most hunters have reported seeing some birds around,” said Hemmer. “There have been good numbers of juvenile

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana has set a Nov. 17 application cutoff for agricultural operators to be considered for the next conservation program funding cycle. The cutoff date applies to the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program-Classic and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program. “NRCS provides funding and technical