Local News

News from USDA BOZEMAN — The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana is accepting applications for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, Conservation Stewardship Program, and the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. The funding for this current cycle comes through the Inflation Reduction Act and supports agricultural and forest landowners participating in voluntary conservation programs implementing climate-smart practices. To be considered for funding in the current cycle, producers and landowners should apply by March 17, 2023. “Farmers, ranchers, and forest landowners of all sizes, small to large, including historically underserved produc...

News from Montana House Democrats HELENA — On Friday, Feb. 17, Vice Chair of House Appropriations Mary Caferro (D-Helena) introduced LC2441, a bill to fully fund community health care providers at the rate recommended by the state-funded Guidehouse studies – a crucial step in addressing the ...

News from DPHHS Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and Montana Cancer Coalition officials are promoting resources to help Montanans find cancer care services available in the state. The DPHHS Montana Cancer Coalition Program (MCCP) offers two interactive maps to support Montanans ...

News from the office of Senator Tester U.S. Senate — On Feb. 15, U.S. Senators Jon Tester (D-Mont.) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) introduced a Senate resolution opposing H.R. 25, proposed legislation from House Republicans that would effectively create a 30 percent national sales tax. “A natio...

This story is excerpted from Capitolized, a twice-weekly newsletter that keeps an eye on the representatives you voted for (or against) with expert reporting, analysis and insight from the editors and reporters of Montana Free Press. Want to see Capitolized in your inbox every Tuesday and Friday? Sign up her...

News from USDA WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making available up to $7.5 million for grants through its Office of Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production (OUAIP). The competitive grants will support the development of urban agriculture and innovative production proj...

RONAN — A new police, officer chosen by Chief Robert Jacobson, was sworn into the City of Ronan Police Department on Feb. 8. After an extensive search for a new officer with the right abilities and characteristics, Jacobson said Kellen Botten’s application stood out more than anyone else’s....

News from the office of Governor Gianforte HELENA – Continuing his focus on promoting trades education and individualized, work-based learning opportunities for students, Governor Greg Gianforte today proclaimed February 2023 Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in Montana. “Everybo...

News from USDA WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has developed a simplified direct loan application to provide improved customer experience for producers applying for loans from the Farm Service Agency (FSA). The simplified direct loan application enables producers to complete...

News from Montana House Democrats HELENA— On Feb. 9, Republicans in the House Judiciary Committee opposed  a bipartisan solution to help renters desperate for housing when they voted against reconsidering HB 233. HB 233 would ensure that Montanans get a refund of their rental application fees...