HELENA — Montana lawmakers got an initial look Wednesday at a major land planning bill that aims to overhaul how development decisions are made in and around Montana’s fast-growing urban areas. Senate Bill 382 would require additional planning by local governments, rework how and when residents can participate in planning decisions and, supporters say, make it easier to build the housing necessary to accommodate rapid population growth. The measure, sponsored by Sen. Forrest Mandeville, R-Columbus, was written in large part by Montana League of Cities and Towns Executive Director Kelly Lynch. It’s described by proponents as the outcome of a yearslong collaborat...
HELENA — A bill that would have allowed criminal penalties for Montana physicians who provide terminally ill patients with medical aid in dying narrowly failed to pass a final vote in the Senate chamber Wednesday, spelling the likely fate of the bill this session. Senate Bill 210, sponsored by Sen. ...
We are seeking an experienced cook for our kitchen. Apply at the center. Over 200 seniors (so far) have taken advantage of tax filing assistance offered by AARP that is available on Mondays or Thursdays until April 6 or so. Call for an appointment. Bowling: Fun league, pay by the day. Non-...
ST. IGNATIUS — Just when we thought spring was here Mr. Winter had to give a good dose of snow and brrrrrs. Stay safe and warm. Remember the first day of spring is March 20. Menu: — Tuesday, Feb 28: taco hashbrown casserole, corn/bean salad, fruit, lemon cake — &n...
POLSON — A Polson man convicted of murder was sentenced in Polson’s District Court on Feb. 14 to 80 years in the Montana State Prison with none of that time suspended. Tyler Uhrich, 20, pleaded guilty to deliberate homicide for the execution-style death of Rozlyn Paige Bluemel, 22, as part of a p...
HELENA — The Montana Senate Judiciary Committee voted on Feb. 16 on a bill requiring Montana to provide funding for the enforcement of Public Law 280. PL280 is an agreement with the State of Montana passed in 1964 to conduct law enforcement and provide other services on the Flathead Reservatio...
HELENA — Bella Nyman has struggled with her mental health since age 7, when she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety. Nyman said she was afraid to tell her parents she had thoughts of suicide. Looking back, a mental health screening might have helped her to stop hiding her struggles...
MONTANA — In a recent media phone call, Senator Jon Tester discussed a number of bills he’s been involved with that have a direct impact on the Confederated Salish Kootenai Tribe. The office of Senator Tester announced on Feb. 3 that CSKT would receive nearly $156,937,000 out of the bipa...
RONAN — The Ronan Volunteer Fire Department recently celebrated both active and retired fire fighter volunteers who work to keep their community safe. A closed event, the Firemen’s Banquet invites all active volunteers, their spouses, and surviving retirees to come and celebrate. It also...
HELENA — A bill that would explicitly open much of Montana’s trail network to e-bikes is positioned to clear the House of Representatives following lawmakers’ 54-46 vote to advance the measure. During a Thursday afternoon floor session, House Bill 261 sponsor Rep. Steve Gunderson, R-Libb...
