Most state agencies presented with public records requests will have clear deadlines for compliance if Senate Bill 232 clears the Legislature and the governor’s desk. The likelihood of both of those things happening is looking good: SB 232 sponsor Sen. Janet Ellis, D-Helena, worked with Gov. Greg Gianforte to develop a record request framework that both parties could live with, and an amended

Dana A, “Bubba” Buckles will perform with his guitar March 31 at the Wolf Point Community Hall. The free performance will be a gathering for families and people of all ages. The community hall is located at 515 Sixth Ave. S. For more information, call dbuckles444@gmail.com.

Opinion Make Sure Meetings Stay Open In Montana Each year at this time, newspapers across the nation recognize Sunshine Week as a reminder of the importance of transparency in government. The role of journalists include making sure government agencies follow open meeting laws including public notices. In Montana, we’re fortunate that the Freedom of Information hotline, 406-4428670,

The recent challenges that newspaper publisher Darla Downs encountered when trying to have a county attorney removed from office has brought awareness to the inadequacies of the process. Downs successfully won the challenge when district judge Katherine Bidegaray ruled in February that Frank Piocos wasn’t an eligible candidate because he wasn’t a resident of Roosevelt County at the time