The Yellowstone Business Coalition, formed in 2016, representing more than 400 businesses and landowners in Paradise Valley, Gardiner and Livingston, is mobilizing in response to recent Yellowstone National Park staff reductions. These layoffs could affect both park operations and the local economies that depend on them. The coalition initially came together to protect the local economy from two proposed gold mines near the northern entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone maintains around 300 permanent employees and hires more than 200 seasonal workers each year.

Seven years ago Andy and Kailey Armor opened Compass Chiropractic in Whitefish. Demand for the chiropractic practice has grown, leading to the February opening in downtown Kalispell. The new location is located on 1st Ave. E in Kalispell.

The nonprofit ski area, Bridger Bowl, rolled out a master development plan to the community in recent weeks. The plan includes ideas such as increased snowmaking, more parking, base-area improvements, new lifts and night skiing. When it comes to a plan for future development options at Bridger Bowl some skiers are concerned with keeping the feel of Bridger Bowl.

Montana FWP has released a draft environmental assessment in order to solicit comments about a new campground slated for an area near the Gunner’s Ridge trailhead. It is about 1/2 mile into Makoshika State Park. The campground will add 16 RV sites with electric hookups, four primitive hiker and biker tent sites, day-use facilities, latrines and a playground to the lower half of the park. Construction on the project is tentatively expected to begin between the middle of May or early June this year, with completion planned for this fall.

The Williams County Commission has approved a conditional use permit for Ramsey Hill Exploration to construct and operate a frac sand facility. The facility will be located in the Hofflund Township. The processing facility’s purpose will be to aid in oilfield production by locally storing frac sand needed for operations. The property spans approximately 1,109 acres, but Exploration Company made it clear it only intends to utilize 593 acres of the land.

A study commission in Butte-Silver Bow County wants the current commission to consider big changes in the way local government is run here. They are suggesting a city manager position overseeing day-to-day operations of the county. Voters did authorize a study commission in 2024. Nine people were...