MISSOULA — Montana’s Medicaid expansion program will sunset in 2025, barring its renewal before the Montana Legislature, and its passage is by no means secured ahead of what could be a busy session. State Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick, the Republican majority leader in his chamber, said that Medicaid will likely get caught up among other politicized topics that will coalesce next year. “It’s going to be hot and controversial,” he said. “And this is going to be a hot and controversial session. This is going to be a rough session.” Fitzpatrick spoke as part of a session at Free Press Fest, organized by Montana Free Press, Friday at the University of...
ARLEE — August sure surprised us with the many thunder, lighting, and rain storms nearly every evening after hot, hot days. But, the weather that brought us down was the BIG wind storms, pulling trees out by the roots or topping them off mid-height. The hay fields were abundantly blessed with a good so...
RONAN — Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital. Any age is welcome to enjoy our meals; you don’t have to be a senior citizen. We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities. Our menu: Wednesday, Sept. 18: loaded hot do...
POLSON — New and renewing memberships are now being accepted for our 24-25 fiscal year for $15. Free flu/covid vaccines will be offered by Safeway Pharmacy on Monday, Sept. 23, from 10 a.m.-noon. The Safe Driver Course, sponsored by AARP will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 9:30 a....
After five months, the new Lake County Annex Office is taking shape. According to Swank Enterprises Site Supervisor Justin McIntyre, construction on the building will continue throughout the winter months. Crews broke ground on the annex in April, with the project slated for completion by July 2025. Th...
LAKE COUNTY — A 70-year-old Polson man, James Lawrence, has been arrested and is being held in the Lake County Jail in connection with the death of 67-year-old Ed Loder of Ronan. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office took a report of Loder as a missing person on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 12:30 p.m. Upo...
ST. IGNATIUS — Be a little adventurous. Take a little risk. Try something new. Spice up your life. We are having a scarecrow building class on Sept. 26 at 10 a.m. Cost is $10 for supplies. Call Mel at 406-745-4621 or sign up at the St. Ignatius Senior Center. We are looking for a Site Manager to ...
RONAN — The Mission Valley Senior Center is located across from St. Luke’s Hospital. Any age is welcome to come enjoy our meals; you don’t have to be a senior citizen. We are open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for lunch and other activities. Our menu is: — Wednesda...
POLSON — Our new and renewing membership campaign is gearing up for the third week in September. Free banana split are given to new or renewed members. Thirty years ago, our dues were $15. They still are. Free flu/covid vaccines offered by Safeway Pharmacy Sept. 23 from 10 a.m.-noon. The Safe Driver...
by Alex Sakariassen, Montana Free Press BILLINGS — Throughout the 2023-24 school year, Billings Public Schools Superintendent Erwin Garcia grew increasingly troubled by a sight he repeatedly witnessed in classrooms around the district: students scrolling their smartphones, their attention wrenched...
