Reflecting on 2023: Neighbors helping neighbors in River Road East Fire

In mid-December, it’s hard to remember that only four months ago several areas across western Montana were contending with forest fires.

Legals for December, 27 2023

Sheriff Funke recaps first year on the job

Mineral County Sheriff Ryan Funke was a keynote speaker at the Mineral County Central Republican Committee meeting last week.

Legislation would assist in tribal management of bison

Leaders from the Blackfeet Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes praised legislation introduced in Congress last month that centers tribal sovereignty into the management of bison herds on tribal lands.

What’s next in the push to restore southern Montana’s passenger rail service

Last week the Federal Railroad Administration announced that it awarded a $500,000 grant to the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority to explore the feasibility of restoring passenger rail service along the North Coast Hiawatha route, which passed through many of Montana’s largest cities along its Chicago-to-Seattle route before the service was scrapped four decades ago.

A way to address high property taxes

I just read the editorial “Lets end the property tax blame game” by Kendall Cotton in which he begins by blaming local governments for property tax increases, echoing Gov. Greg Gianforte’s attack on greedy county governments.

The 12 days of Christmas, legislative edition

We’re all familiar with the Christmas carol “The Twelve Days of Christmas.” In recognition of the holiday season, I’d like to share some of the good work your state lawmakers accomplished in the legislative session at the beginning of the year, in a shortened format of the song.

Columbia River settlement threatens Montana's economic stability

At the Montana Chamber of Commerce, we are deeply concerned by recent developments in federal energy policies that threaten our state’s power supply and economic vitality.

COLUMN: Failed resolutions

I really don’t make New Years’ resolutions any more.

St. Regis outlasts Hot Springs in clash of top teams

It was a clash of top area boys basketball teams.

Lady Savage Heat topple Lady Tigers

As complicated as they can be, sports are also as basic as the numbers used to designate success on the field or court of play.

Hawks boys and girls post convincing wins over Wardens

Thursday night was a great night to be a Blue Hawks basketball fan.

Commissioners find savings by taking on new duties

When Dawn Terrill left her position as commissioner assistant and human resource director with Mineral County last year after her appointment as a county commissioner upon Laurie Johnston’s retirement, those hired for the position have not stayed.

Public Law 280: The path forward

“You have my commitment that – no matter what happens going forward – if you call 911, we're coming,” Lake County Sheriff Don Bell said during a crowded meeting at the Lake County Courthouse last Thursday.

Spotlight on the Arts: Maddox VanElswyk

“Spotlight on the Arts” by The Paradise Center honors and encourages students in the arts by highlighting their talent and acknowledging the support they receive through their schools and teachers.

Plains girls hand Hot Springs first loss in OT thriller

It may be way too early to label a game so young into the new season as the “game of the year,” but the clash this past Tuesday between Hot Springs girls and Plains girls would get some votes.

Plains boys win two at home

Good vibes are the name of the games at Plains High school this year as it relates to sports.

COLUMN: Christmas wish list

Ordinarily, when the world does not seem like it’s upside down or inside out, I usually ask Santa this time of year, to bring good things to folks I know.

Lady Bobcats lose to Seeley-Swan, Charlo

The season is young and the good news for the Superior girls is the only place to go is up.

Quinlan leads Superior Bobcats in two losses

Every now and then, its called a cycle in small town basketball, graduation can be a not so good thing.