Archive: August 2020

Billings 4th Most Affordable

31 August 2020
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A study on the “Most Affordable Metros in the West” places Billings as the 4th most affordable midsize metro in the Western US, according to advisorsmith.com. In comparison to cities of all size in the West, Billings ranked 21.

“Our study analyzed the cost of living in 111 metropolitan areas from the 13 Western states. We used our Cost of Living Index to measure the affordability of food, housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and consumer spending, explained Brenda Franco, Public Relations Specialist for advisorsmith.com.

The analysis discovered:

—Billings’ cost of living index was 97 and the city has a cost of living 3% lower than the national average.

—Billings is more affordable than other Montana cities including Helena, Missoula, and Kalispell.

—Overall, Billings ranked #21 in affordability among metros of all sizes in the West.

Ranking in first place for Midsize cities was Las Cruces, NM; Pueblo, CO; and Yuma, AZ.

In the category of Small cities, Great Falls ranked 7th.

In Large cities Albuquerque led the way, with Spokane ranked 4th.

The American West consists of 13 states that cover over half the land area of the country and almost a quarter of the population, from the mountain ranges of the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Coast. Western states include some of the country’s fastest-growing cities and most dynamic economies, along with rural areas, plains, and farmland.

Beef Processing Training Program Gets Grant

28 August 2020
Evelyn Pyburn
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Miles College has been awarded the funding it needs to launch a training program for meat processors through the Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grants.

A grant for $117,397 to assist with training and educating future meat processors at Miles Community College, Miles City, was among the $7.5 million Coronavirus Relief Funds awarded to numerous meat processing businesses in the state, announced by Gov. Steve Bullock and the Montana Department of Agriculture.

The Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant (MMPIG) program is designed to aid small and medium-sized meat processors in responding to the COVID-19 crisis through the adaptation and advancement of meat processing infrastructure and capacity in Montana.

“The impacts of COVID-19 have highlighted how fragile the nation’s supply chain can be, especially when it comes to meat processing,” said Bullock. “It’s crucial that our producers have viable options for getting their meat to market. Investing in meat processing infrastructure will help our Montana producers, strengthen local food systems, and bolster food security for Montanans in communities across the state from Plains to Circle.”

Among applicants for the funding was a collaborative effort between the Montana Meat Processors Association, Miles City Community College (MCC) and the Montana Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) to offer a meat processing certificate / degree at the college to help meet a chronic shortage of trained meat cutters in Montana. They applied for $150,000 to get the training program going, which they expect to cost $75,000 annually to maintain.

The grant program received a great deal of interest which reflects the necessity for increased in-state meat processing capacity. Businesses received funding for equipment and infrastructure, such as additional cooler or freezer space, slaughter floor enhancements, and other business adaptation and diversification activities that will increase processing and/or storage capacity related to local meat processing.

Funding for the MMPIG was derived from the state’s allocation of federal relief dollars made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, with a maximum award of $150,000. Over 60 businesses received funding.

Other recipients of grants were:

Montana Meat Processing Infrastructure Grant Recipients

 406 Processing – Great Falls, MT $120,428 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 4th Avenue Meat Market – Billings, MT $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 5D Processing – Choteau, MT $54,500 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Amsterdam Meat Shop – Belgrade, MT  $138,140 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Auggie’s Processing Plant – Broadus, MT $145,000 to assist with equipment purchases and construction of a new processing facility.

 Bainville Meats – Bainville, $144,583 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 BCH Discount Meats – Great Falls,  $87,160 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity.

 Bear Paw Meats – Chinook, $103,585 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity.

 Beaverhead Meats – Dillon, $90,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage capacity and upgrade waste management infrastructure and sanitization processes.

Big Sandy Meat Shop – Malta, $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to achieve federal inspection certification.

 Biiluuke Strong – Hardin, $115,129 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Black Dog Farm – Livingston, $88,046 to assist with construction of a poultry processing facility.

 Butcher Block Specialties – Miles City, $100,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 C&C Meat Processing – Browning,  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications for increased cold storage and processing capacity.

 Castle Mountain Grocery – White Sulphur Springs, $149,872 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Christiaens Meats – Valier,  $33,974 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity.

 Clark Fork Custom Meats – Plains,   $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Cordova Farms – Choteau, $140,273 to assist with the purchase of a Plant in Box shipping container poultry processing facility.

 Cowboy Meat Company – Forsyth,  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Craig’s Meat Processing – Sidney,  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Dabucha’s Outdoors – Shelby,  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor expansion and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Diamond D Bar Processing – Geraldine,

$97,896 to assist with the equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Eastern Montana Meats – Sidney,   $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and construction of a new facility.

 Farm-to-Market Pork – Kalispell,  $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and expand processing capacity to include beef as well as pork.

 Feddes Family Meats – Manhattan,   $147,490 to assist with and equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Hilger Meats – Lewistown,  $139,711 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Judith Mountain Meats – Lewistown, $61,878 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 L and S Meat Processing – Lima,  $99,065 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 K & S Meat – Helena,   $145,830 to assist with the construction of a new facility for increased cold storage capacity and the purchase of a mobile slaughter truck for increased processing capacity.

 Lazy BK Ranch – Hamilton,   $41,900 to assist with equipment purchases and the completion of processing facility.

 Living River Farms – Stevensville,   $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and the construction of a poultry processing facility.

 Lolo Locker – Missoula,   $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Lower Valley Processing – Kalispell,  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 M3 Meats – Sidney, $125,259 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Matt’s Butcher Shop & Deli – Livingston,   $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Miles Community College – Miles City, Mt $117,397 to assist with training and educating Montana residents about meat processing.

 Millers Custom Processing – Red Lodge, 

$104,671 to assist with equipment purchases and facility upgrades to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Milligan Canyon Meats – Three Forks, $45,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Mission Mountain Food Enterprise Center – Ronan,  $72,500 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity.

 Montana Marbled Meats – Polson,  $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 North American Foods of Montana – Hamilton, $115,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage capacity.

 North West Montana Veterans Stand Down – Kalispell, $63,443 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase capacity for repackaging and distributing meat donations to veterans and their families.

 Pekovitch Meats – Malta, $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Pioneer Meats – Big Timber,   $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and renovation of an existing processing facility to increase domestic animal processing and cold storage capacity.

 Powder River Meat Company – Terry,  $116,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to reopen facility.

 Project Meats – Billings ,$50,000 to assist with facility upgrades and construction of an additional facility.

 Ranchland Packing– Butte, $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Rawhide Meats – White Sulphur Springs, $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Round Butte Custom Cuts – Ronan, $136,477 to assist with equipment purchases and mobile slaughter unit to increase cold storage and processing capacity. 

Ryan Grocery & Processing – Jordan, $116,939 to equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 S Ranch Meats – Hardin,$150,000 to assist with equipment purchases for a new processing facility.

 School House Meats (Missoula Schools) – Missoula, $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity.

 Superior Meats – Superior, $140,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase processing capacity.

 T and A Ranch – Cascade, $150,000 to assist with construction of a new processing facility.

 T&G Processing – Circle, $148,105 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 The Butcher Block – Great Falls, $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases, slaughter floor installation and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity. 

Treasure Trail Meat Processing – Glasgow, $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Triple T Specialty Meats – Glendive, $150,000 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Uncle Sweetie’s Processing – Jordan, $94,472 to assist with equipment purchases and facility modifications to increase cold storage and processing capacity.

 Vandevanter Meats – Columbia Falls,$150,000 to assist with equipment purchases to increase cold storage and processing capacity. 

Western Meat & Sausage Block – Butte, $71,201 to assist with equipment purchases to increase processing capacity.

 Western Wildlife Art Taxidermy and Processing – Forsyth, $133,500 to assist with equipment purchases to covert taxidermy storage facility to a processing facility.

Wise Wonders has Some Wise Plans

28 August 2020
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Wise Wonders Science and Discovery Museum has launched a Vision Campaign, showcasing plans for the future of the Museum, located at 3024 2nd Avenue North in downtown Billings.

“During the closure, Wise Wonders determined the time was right to make the most of our closed doors,” explained Executive Director Pete Bolenbaugh. “We’ve been hard at work creating a vision for the future of the Museum in our new space, and we’re thrilled for the community to share in our excitement for what’s to come.”

Wise Wonders Maker Space

Included in future plans for the Museum are a fully functioning maker space and workshop, as well as exhibits and programming content that will focus on science, inquiry-based education, and interactive play. The vision creates new spaces for older children, tweens and teens and enhances the experience for younger children. In keeping with the mission of the organization, all plans encourage interactive learning through play and exploration.

Wise Wonders Exhibit Space

“Wise Wonders is a treasured space in the Billings community,” shared board president Kelly McCandless. “While we are eager for the return of joyful voices learning in the Museum, we are truly making use of this time to create an even better Wise Wonders experience for years to come.”

Will Masks be Required For a Year or More?

28 August 2020
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

So how long might everyone have to wear face masks, as has been mandated by Gov. Steve Bullock?

Until a vaccine is developed, according to County Health Officer John Felton – or until enough people get COVID-19 so as to develop “herd immunity.”

Given that the best- case scenarios regarding when a vaccine might become available is one year, so the prospect would be that face masks will be part of our daily attire for at least one year.

But there is a third possibility, quipped another government official – “until we get a new governor.” The statement reflects the controversy that swirls around the Governor’s edict.

Felton said he was well aware of the differing opinions and he knows a lot of people do not think the virus is a “big deal.” But, he said, it is a “big deal” to the families and friends of the people who have died in Yellowstone County and to those who have had to quarantine and have not been able to go to work.

Blaming the state economic shutdown, job losses and business closures on COVID-19, Felton said, “To the businesses that are now limited, they believe it is a big deal. To the millions who have lost their jobs, they think it is a big deal. And, the residents and staff of Canyon Creek and their families think it is a big deal.” Since July 6, 19 residents from Canyon Creek Memory Care in Billings have died from the disease.

Those who might not believe the virus is a “big deal” are often of the opinion that the requirement to wear masks is a “back door” effort to curtail businesses without appearing to actually shut them down, since many people faced with having to wear masks will opt not go shopping. Closed businesses, and people without jobs, are viewed as negatively impacting the Trump administration, and would diminish his re-election prospects. That suspicion sets the table to make the entire issue more of a political conflict than a health issue.

Governor Bullock said, “There’s no reason this needs to be political, because COVID-19 isn’t political. Instead, this is about being a Montanan and being supportive of those around us. Montanans need to not only feel safe, but be safe to continue supporting small businesses like restaurants, breweries, clothing stores, bookshops, and more.”

Felton said that RiverStone Health (county health) “strongly supports” the Governor’s mandate that almost everyone in the state, must wear a face mask. He emphasized, that “universal masking has been shown to dramatically reduce the spread of COVID.”

During a recent press conference, Felton outlined the increase in the number of cases of COVID in Yellowstone County.  The county has about a third of the 1320 active cases in the state, 458 were identified in the first 16 days of July and 256 over the next week. Many cases in 13 counties and two reservations have been linked to exposures in Yellowstone County, which Felton described as “the epicenter of the pandemic in Montana.” The spike in case numbers necessitates a need to impose greater restrictions on wearing face masks and social distancing, he said.

Given that it will take some weeks for the restrictions to take effect, Felton said, “we are looking forward to a pretty rough rest of July.”

Asked, “What happens if the numbers drop? Will the disease go away or will we always have to wear masks?”

To that Felton again described the direness of the situation, concluding we need to be prepared for the “long haul.”

“What’s the long haul?” he was asked. Until a vaccine is developed or we gain “herd immunity,” he said.  Felton explained “herd immunity,” citing a study conducted in Mississippi, which concluded that there would have to be more than 3200 positive tests a day to develop herd immunity in that state, or about 70 percent of the population. In Yellowstone County 70 percent would amount to 115,000 people.

There have been 3,475 confirmed cases of COVID-19 of the 161,408 people tested in Montana. While a shortage of available testing materials kept the number of tests done in Montana at around 300 a day, the number of tests increased to over 3,000 a day on average when tests became more available. RiverStone Health even began offering tests at no charge for people with no symptoms. The most recent testing in a day totaled 5,883.

Bullocks’ directive requires businesses, government offices and other indoor spaces open to the public to ensure that employees, contractors, volunteers, customers, and other members of the public wear a face mask that covers their mouth and nose while remaining inside these spaces. The directive also requires face coverings at organized outdoor activities of 50 or more people, where social distancing is not possible or is not observed.

The directive does not require face coverings in counties with three or fewer active cases or for children under 5.

Masks are not required while eating or drinking at businesses that sell food or drinks or during activities that make face coverings unsafe (like strenuous physical exercise or swimming), while giving speeches or performances in front of a socially distanced audience, while receiving medical care or for people with preexisting condition that would make wearing a face covering unsafe.

Many businesses are complying with the directive in posting notices that inform their patrons of the Governor’s directive, but the postings sometimes state that they will not act to enforce the restrictions. Some businesses provide masks if patrons want them. Many businesses require their employees to wear masks, but leave their customers to make that decision for themselves.

Sheriffs in 38 of Montana’s 52 counties (including Yellowstone County Sheriff Mike Linder) have signed a letter stating that they will not enforce the Governor’s mandate because it is not a law. “The statewide face covering order is a public health directive. It is not a mandate for law enforcement to issue citations and arrest violators,” reads the letter. 

 RiverStone announced that because of a nationwide backlog at the company with which they have contracted to process tests — Quest Diagnostics — RiverStone Health will no longer provide communitywide COVID-19 testing. 

Under the guidance of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, RiverStone Health will continue to offer free testing, but only to people who are “close contacts” of someone who already tested positive or who have symptoms of COVID-19.

As of July 26, Yellowstone County has 499 active cases of COVID-19, total recovered 388; total deaths 23; total confirmed cases 910. Statewide, there are 3,475 confirmed cases, 2,104 recovered, 1,320 active cases, 62 active hospitalizations, 205 total hospitalizations, and 51 deaths. 161,408 people have been tested statewide.

We Must Reignite Montana’s Economy

28 August 2020
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By Matt Rosendale

Our state, and our country, has never faced a challenge like the one we are confronted with today. COVID-19, and the ensuing shutdown sent shockwaves through our economy. The consequences have been devastating, and we are only beginning to see its full impact.

Over the last few months, we’ve experienced economic carnage unlike any period in my lifetime. Many business owners had to make the difficult decision to tell loyal employees that the paycheck they were depending on wouldn’t be coming. Countless others have been forced to close their doors for good—the flames of lifelong passions extinguished forever.

Even more tragically, some have lost their lives. It is painful to think of the life and human potential that this pandemic has taken from us. To those who lost a friend or a loved one, my heart goes out to you. I share your anguish and join in grieving for every member of our American family that’s succumbed to this virus.

Despite these unprecedented challenges, I have been encouraged to see Montanans come together and help one another during these trying times. The outpouring of support for the vulnerable and those in need has been incredibly heartening. It is truly a reminder that in Montana, our communities are our strength, and that together there is no storm that we can’t weather.

As our state continues to adapt to the various stages of re-opening, we must focus on reigniting our economy and getting Montanans safely back to work as soon as possible. Our recovery is being held back by the vast web of onerous federal taxes and regulations on our families and businesses. That’s why I’ve developed a plan which includes proven policies to get government out of the way of small businesses, unleash economic growth, and foster job creation and innovation in our state.

I know what an incredible challenge it is to run a small business and have experienced firsthand the crushing fist of government. I’ve had to make difficult decisions to make budgets balance and felt the anxiety that comes with being responsible for putting food on the table for your employees. This is the perspective I’ve brought to government, and why I have made it a priority—both in the legislature and as State Auditor—to slash burdensome regulations, cut taxes on small businesses and families, and rein in government spending.  

My plan will remove barriers to job creation and  jumpstart our economy by providing regulatory relief, creating a tax structure that incentivizes economic investment, protecting innocent business owners from liability, incentivizing individuals to return to work, getting government spending under control, responsibly harnessing our vast natural resources, and connecting rural communities across our state. I know these priorities will provide the support and flexibility that struggling businesses need right now, and I look forward to putting my business experience to work for Montanans.

While the challenges facing our state and country are daunting, I remain steadfast in the belief that Montana’s best days still lie ahead. Together, we will come back stronger than ever before, and usher in a renewed era of prosperity and opportunity for our state.

Matt Rosendale is Montana’s State Auditor and currently the Republican nominee for Montana’s at-large seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Matt’s plan to reignite the economy can be viewed at: www.mattformontana.com/plan-to-reignite-our-economy

Vision Net Celebrates 25 Years

28 August 2020
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Vision Net, Inc., a Montana-based telecommunications solution provider, marks its 25th anniversary this year. Incorporated in 1995 and wholly owned by nine telephone companies, Vision Net was founded to provide advanced, cutting edge distance learning and Internet services to rural Montana schools. The company’s early focus on videoconferencing— and the connectivity needed to support it, then and now—is proving critical in a Covid-19 world of remote work and online education.

Vision Net’s investment in Montana’s information technology infrastructure is extensive. In 2005, Vision Net merged with Montana Advanced Information Networks, Inc. (MAIN), forming a company uniquely positioned to deliver a wide range of technical professional services that, to this day, includes broadband network transport, Internet services, design and management of customized wide area network (WAN) solutions including SD-WAN, end-point and network security products, and more.

What began as a company providing videoconferencing services has evolved into one of Montana’s leading technology companies whose world-class 24/7 Network Operations Center (NOC) provides application, network and unified communications support to our carrier and business clients both locally and nationwide.

Most recently, the company funded and delivered critical broadband fiber infrastructure to Helena and Billings, two cities experiencing—yet struggling to meet—increased Internet demand.

For Vision Net CEO Corey Jensen, meaningful investments such as these are what set the company apart. “As a Montana-based company, it’s vitally important that we seek out and support those opportunities that drive value for our state and our customers,” he said. “Fast, reliable connectivity and other critical telecommunications solutions ensure that Montana businesses can compete locally, regionally and nationally. And they position our communities to attract businesses looking to relocate, driving economic development for us all.”

Vision Net provides ongoing professional training for employees, competitive benefit packages, and flexible scheduling to help employees achieve a better work-life balance.

The recently-renovated Billings office was designed with employee comfort in mind, and Great Falls employees enjoy summer BBQs in the renovated breakrooms and outdoor areas as that office undergoes renovations and upgrades.

As a community-minded company, Vision Net supports several state-wide and community organizations. Vision Net has always been involved locally, like supporting Special Olympics – not just financially, but with Vision Net employees volunteering at the games. For almost 20 years, Vision Net has partnered with Billings TrailNet and is the 2020 title sponsor for the annual Ales for Trails fundraiser. Vision Net supports various non-profit organizations throughout Montana as part of our continued commitment to Montana.

 Looking ahead, Jensen said the company will continue to innovate “to stay ahead of the rapidly- changing IT curve,” adding that the current pandemic has presented new challenges and opportunities.

For example, in early March, Montana-based independent financial and retirement planning consultants Ed Ulledalen and Molly Van Binsbergen contacted Vision Net for a phone system upgrade that would allow them to work remotely when needed. Little did they know that within weeks of that phone call, as the pandemic settled in, their entire business model would shift to full- time remote work. Vision Net transitioned them to an app-based solution that allowed them to “carry” their work IDs across personal and business phones, tablets and computers, providing a seamless experience for their clients. It was, as Ulledalen said, “a timely and needed upgrade that literally saved our business.”

As an IT professional, Jensen said stories such as Ulledalen’s are rewarding. “Knowing we are delivering meaningful, impactful solutions to our customers and our communities is why we’re all here,” he said. “I look forward to Vision Net’s next 25 years and the many relationships, challenges and opportunities that will come along with it.”

Virtual Update for Montana Economy

28 August 2020
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Each year the Montana Chamber Foundation brings the mid-year economic projections for local, state, and national economies.  They have opened registration  for a VIRTUAL Economic Update, on August 4 and 6 when Dr. Pat Barkey, from the University of Montana’s Bureau of Business and Economic Research, will give expert insight into what is on the economic horizon. We are beginning to get data. That might sound strange. Most of us have been swimming in data, but data on economic activity are slower to arrive. What do they tell us about Montana’s experience? Relative to the nation and many other states, we have had a slightly less severe hit to our economy, as measured by preliminary job figures. Through June, those data show jobs down 23,000 compared to last year, better than all but three states in percentage terms. The event is sponsored by Boeing, Charter Communications, First Interstate Bank, Glacier Bancorp, Montana State Fund, NorthWestern Energy, and Microsoft. To register go to www. montanachamber. com/ event -registration/ 2020- economic- update/

USDA report on beef prices good first step, but…

28 August 2020
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The Montana Farm Bureau, which along with state Farm Bureaus, had called for investigation into price disparities between prices paid to ranchers and beef prices at the grocery store, was pleased to see the USDA has released a report on the issue. However, the state’s largest agricultural organization is still awaiting the Department of Justice’s report concerning price manipulation by beef processors.

“The Montana Farm Bureau asked USDA to expand an ongoing investigation to include possible market manipulation during the coronavirus pandemic, especially with regard to low prices being paid to cow/calf producers,” said MFBF President Hans McPherson. “It was obvious something was wrong when we saw consumers paying higher prices for meat yet the farmers and ranchers were being paid less. The USDA report is a good first step in understanding what’s going on with beef pricing.”

American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall noted, “We appreciate the USDA’s thorough examination of the beef markets and are pleased the USDA responded to our call for an investigation, but it’s important to note the scrutiny of the markets is not concluded. USDA indicates their examination continues and investigations by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, as well as the Department of Justice, are ongoing.”

“We are reviewing the policy recommendations the USDA put forth in the report and look forward to working with them and Congress to ensure markets remain fair for everyone involved,” Duvall concluded.

The Use of Force

28 August 2020
Evelyn Pyburn
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By Evelyn Pyburn

There is lot’s not being said about all that is happening.

Despite what is claimed, COVID-19 is a political issue. When political power is brought to bear on any issue it is political. It becomes political in that moment.

One must remember that politics is about the use of force. When people are forced to do something against their will it is either criminal or political, because that is the essence of politics – a debate about how to apply the legalized use of force. At its root that is all it’s about as to whether government should be able to mandate the wearing of masks, closing of businesses or prohibiting the peaceful assembly of groups. Are these laws an appropriate use of force by government against innocent citizens?

Because government is nothing more than an instrument of force and because the only moral use of force is in defense of oneself and of others, the only just use of force by government, in the US, was determined to be the protection of its citizens.  Whether it is against enemies from outside or within, or whether it is about a military attack at our borders or a thief stealing a bicycle from a neighbor’s yard, the primary purpose of our government is to protect us from that illegal and immoral force.

That is why the failure of governments in cities and states where rioting is allowed to rage unabated is such an atrocious thing to witness. These are government officials who are deliberately refusing to perform their primary and most fundamental duty — the protection of innocent citizens against the use of criminal violence. What purpose do peaceable and innocent citizens have of a government that cannot carry out that one and most profound charge?

How force is being used in our society right now is what many people find perplexing. It’s not about whether or not to wear a mask, it is whether the governor should be able to wield state power to force people to wear a mask, which gives cover to local, often unelected officials, to use such authority as a cudgel to intimidate, shame, and coerce citizens. As can be seen in many cities right now the inappropriate use of force is far worse than the threat of a virus. To challenge government’s use of force is important far beyond the realm of a temporary threat of a disease, if a peaceful, thriving and content society is the goal.

Even though there is no evidence of violence in our streets, the disquiet and anxiety in communities under the lockdowns being imposed by local governments, in the name of the coronavirus, is just as real as the more overt threats seen in Seattle or Portland or Chicago.  There is no sense of peace and security in communities where people worry about being accosted about what they wear, or where their every action must be measured in terms of judgment by others, and the uncertainties of the force of law that might be brought to bear.

While there may be arguments to justify health and safety precautions regarding the coronavirus, those arguments should be made rather than bearing down with the business end of government. It is a fact, that no matter the degree that they are convinced about the reasonableness of health measures, business owners and employees are acting, not out of that conversion, but out of fear and duress. As civic leaders attempt to bully innocent hard working citizens, they create a pall of anxiety and resentment across the community. 

It’s a fact, that business owners, their employees and customers are scared about the threats that are held over them. Such angst gnaws at the soul and psyche, and its imposition is cruel and ruthless. It is only slightly less onerous to its victims than facing the more direct and visible violence of rioters in the streets. In a different form it is violence and unconducive to a free, benevolent and peaceful society.

Stockman Bank Awarded for Stability and Strength

28 August 2020
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BauerFinancial, Inc., the Nation’s premier bank rating firm, announced that Stockman Bank of Montana has once again been awarded its highest (5-Star) rating for financial strength and stability. Earning a 5-Star rating indicates this bank excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more. Earning and maintaining this top rating for 47 consecutive quarters, especially in this environment, makes its accomplishment even more impressive. That makes Stockman Bank of Montana an “Exceptional Performance Bank”, a status reserved for banks that have earned Bauer’s highest rating consistently for at least 10 consecutive years.

 “It’s a noteworthy accomplishment in the best of times,” stated Karen Dorway, president of the research firm. “Today, it speaks volumes. How do they do it? A solid sense of community, working one on one, providing solutions to people who need it – that’s the mark of a true community bank. Stockman Bank of Montana’s team members have been right there on the front lines doing whatever they could to help their neighbors and friends throughout the pandemic. And, they’ve done it all without compromising the strength of the institution itself. That’s doing well while doing good.”