Whitefish Mountain Resort saw over 400,000 skier visits during the 2024-25 season. This is the fifth year in a row that the mountain has tallied more than 400,000 skier visits. The resort set a new record for skier visits between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day with this year’s almost 62,400 skier visits were counted. Next season’s passes are already on sale.

The Pine Hills Youth Correctionl Facility is doing something it hasn’t done in more than 90 years. The facility will return Pine Hills to its mission as a juvenile-only facility. The change was announced by the Montana Department of Corrections on March 21.

Paddlefish anglers will see a some changes to the regulations issued by the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks 2025. Among the changes to this year’s paddlefish regulations are concerning hooks, one treble hook per line plus forward forward-facing sonar.

Princess and Buck is a new boutique which recently entered the downtown Kalispellmarket. The shop is owned by Beth Kornick and Kyle Waterman. The name, Princess and Buck, came from two historic businesses in downtown Kalispell.  The store features a range of items, gifts and clothes from the Flathead Valley.

Construction on a new fishing access site near Sportsman’s Bridge in Bigfork is expected to begin this spring. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks have approved plans to construct a boat ramp, parking lot and pit latrines. Once complete the new facility will make way for the reconstruction of Sportsman’s Bridge.

A total of 30 breweries competed in 22 beer categories at the second Montana Beer Awards.

The Montana Folk Festival in Butte will be July 11-13. Admission is free to all performances during the three days of the festival, although organizers urge attendees to donate up to $35 for a family.

Federal agencies informed Missoula County officials recently that two of its grants have been discontinued, which could eliminate up to three positions and halt some work around energy efficiency and case management. The county lost a $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency and Partnership Health Center lost the remainder of a $1.8 million grant from the Centers For Disease Control.

Emily Garza has opened a branch of Onyx + Ivory Boutique. a women’s clothing boutique, in Miles City.

Helena’s liquor distillery, Gulch Distillers, will be expanding into a location. The new spot will be at 4 W. Lawrence St., between Queen City Ballet and the Gold Bar. It will have tasting rooms and a bottle shop on the main floor. They are also adding a new space in the lower level that will serve as a bottling facility. Once the new space is completed the business will close public access to their facility at 790 Front St. expand the space to production.

Miles City officials are focusing on finding funding to possibly reopen at least one of its recreational water features. The Wibaux Park splash pad, froggie pool and the Riverside Park Oasis are in danger of not opening this summer due to budget shortfalls. Funding for the three recreational sites was cut for the 2025 fiscal year as the city needed to balance its 2025 budget.

A Missoula official working on a cross-country passenger rail line that would pass through Montana called on Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to restore multiple federal grants for the project. The Department of Transportation has placed some grants under review. These reviews could slow down an infrastructure project related to the rail line.

Research conducted at the Rocky Mountain Laboratories in Hamilton has identified several mosquito-borne illnesses that can cause encephalitis circulating in Montana.  The findings are detailed in a report published in Emerging Infectious Diseases Journal. Several viruses that can cause encephalitis (brain swelling) and are unfamiliar to most physicians are circulating in Montana mosquitoes. 

Construction is expected to start next month on the new, 6,100-square-foot VA clinic in Lewistown. A survey showed the need for a larger VA facility in Lewistown. The current plan is for the outpatient clinic to begin operations in the spring of 2026. There are nearly 800 veterans in the Lewistown area who are enrolled with the VA.

For the second year in a row, the home of Montana State University has been ranked the No. 1 college town in America, according to the website RentCafe.com. Bozeman’s ranking was based on a combination of factors, including the affordability and quality of education available at MSU, the town’s highly educated population and an abundance of nearby natural amenities. The website also notes that Bozeman is home to numerous startup companies and major employers, who provide students with internship and career development opportunities.

Maddie Malmstrom joined Visit Billings, managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce, as the new Content Coordinator in March. In her new role, Malmstrom will spearhead content creation and curation for Visit Billings’ annual marketing plan.

Leveraging her graphic design and writing skills, Malmstrom will craft and disseminate engaging content across various social media platforms. Her focus will be on producing high-quality written and visual materials that elevate Billings’ profile as a premier travel destination.

Malmstrom brings a wealth of experience in digital marketing and social media management. At City Vineyard, she scaled Instagram followers by 46 percent, profile visits by 907 percent, and online orders by 62 percent in the first year. Her expertise in establishing routine social media data analytics and content calendars, as well as initiating cohesive brand standards, will be invaluable to Visit Billings.

“Maddie’s proven track record in digital marketing and her creative mindset make her a perfect fit for our team,” says Marya Pennington, marketing director of Visit Billings. Malmstrom holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Marketing from Boise State University, with a minor in Entrepreneurship Management. She has extensive experience in content development, project management, and client relationship management. Her skills in copywriting, graphic design, and social media management will help elevate Billings’ presence as a top travel destination.

Malmstrom officially joined Visit Billings on March 24, 2025. She has called Billings’s home for 23 years since moving here with her family at a young age. Outside of work, she enjoys travel, outdoor adventures, fashion, music, reading, and finding new creative outlets.

Scientists at RIKEN in Japan have developed a new type of plastic that’s just as stable in everyday use “as the regular stuff” but dissolves quickly in saltwater, leaving behind safe compounds.

It takes decades before plastic fully breaks down. And when it does, it forms microplastic pieces that are turning up in all corners of the natural world, including our own bodies, where they wreak havoc on our health.

RIKEN researchers have developed a new type of plastic that can work just as well as the regular stuff but breaks down readily into safe compounds. It’s made of supramolecular polymers, which have reversible bonds that can be attached, removed and reattached.

Researchers identified sodium hexametaphosphate, a common food additive, and monomers which are used in fertilizers. When these two compounds are mixed together in water, they form a viscous material that can be dried to form plastics.

The material is as strong as normal plastic, and is non-flammable, colorless and transparent. Immersed in saltwater though, the plastic completely dissolved in about eight and a half hours.

The team found that applying hydrophobic coatings prevented any early breaking down of the material. The material breaks down into nitrogen and phosphorus, which are useful nutrients for plants and microbes.

By Sarah Roderick-Fitch, The Center Square

The debate over whether taxpayers should be on the hook for constructing professional sports stadiums has made its way back to Capitol Hill as lawmakers look to end taxpayer subsidies for multi-billion-dollar complexes.

Reps. Don Beyer, D-Va., Glenn Grothman, R-Wis., and Sens. James Lankford, R-Okla., and Cory Booker, D-N.J., introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation calling for the end of taxpayer subsidies to build professional sports complexes.

The No Tax Subsidies for Stadiums Act would terminate the ability for professional sporting teams to utilize tax-exempt municipal bonds to finance the construction of stadiums. The lawmakers argue that the tax exemptions were “originally intended to help local governments fund essential public infrastructure projects,” including hospitals, schools and roads.

The legislators claim the “loophole has enabled wealthy sports franchises to benefit from taxpayer dollars, often with little measurable economic return to the surrounding communities.”

The lawmakers contend that in the last 25 years, over 40 sports stadiums have been “financed” using the tax-exempted municipal bonds, claiming to have cost taxpayers “an estimated $4.3 billion in lost federal revenue.”

In February, The Center Square reported on $1.2 billion in public funds requested to help build a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns, which is estimated to cost $2.4 billion.

In 2023, The Center Square reported on another stadium project involving the construction of a new stadium to house the Tennessee Titans, requesting a $500 million bond from the state of Tennessee.

The Tax Foundation reported that, according to sports economists, over 50 years between 1970 and 2020, taxpayers “‘devoted $33 billion in public funds to construct major-league sports stadiums and arenas’” in the U.S. and Canada. Adding that the public was left “on the hook for nearly three-quarters of the costs of each new sports venue.”

In 2023, Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced a plan to build a “world-class” entertainment district in Alexandria’s Potomac Yard neighborhood to house Washington’s NBA and NHL franchises as part of a $2 billion public-private partnership.

At the time, Youngkin touted the development as a major economic boost. Supporters claimed it would generate a $12 billion economic impact for Alexandria and the commonwealth while creating 30,000 jobs. The deal to move the teams across the Potomac has since died.

Despite the governor’s claim, The National Conference of State Legislatures says the “economic impact of stadiums” on cities “is negligible.” However, construction of new stadiums does create jobs, such as, construction and seasonal employment.

NCSL questioned the “quality of the jobs,” citing stadium workers and “game-day personnel,” who often perform “low wage, temporary and part-time” work.

Beyer, whose district includes Alexandria, argues that taxpayers shouldn’t be “forced to fund” sports complexes. “Billionaire owners who need cash can borrow from the market like any other business. Arguments that stadiums boost job creation have been repeatedly discredited. In a time when there is a debate over whether the country can ‘afford’ investments in health care, childcare, education, or fighting climate change, it is ridiculous to even contemplate such a radical misuse of publicly subsidized bonds,” said Beyer.

Casey Conlon joined Visit Billings, managed by the Billings Chamber of Commerce, as the new Sports Tourism Director in March.

In his new role, Conlon will lead Visit Billings Sports. He will spearhead efforts to attract and execute high-impact sporting events, collaborating with key stakeholders to enhance Billings’ reputation as a premier sports tourism destination.

Conlon brings a wealth of experience in sports journalism and event management, having overseen day-to-day newsroom operations at KTVQ, managed all sports coverage, and co-hosted Big Sky Football telecasts. He is highly regarded in the Billings community for his dedication and contributions to local journalism.

Conlon holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California. He spent many of his 18 years at KTVQ as a sports anchor and reporter before moving over to news management. He won multiple awards, including an Edward R. Murrow Regional honor as well as five Montana Broadcasters E.B. Craney awards. He’s excited to bring his wealth of knowledge of the local sports community into tourism and event management.

Conlon officially joined Visit Billings on March 17, 2025. He has called Billings home for 18 years, marrying his wife Kassidy in 2022. The couple are expecting their first child in 2025. Outside of work, Casey is an avid golfer, but you can usually talk him into anything involving a field or court. He and Kassidy also love hiking and camping in Montana’s beautiful wilderness. He can be reached via email at Casey@VisitBillings.com or by calling 406-839-1284

Gallagher’s, 1142 Parkhill Dr, (406) 321-2929, Gallagher, Jeff, Service  

Bizzyboddesigns, 3520 Cook Ave, (406) 794-2192, Skaggs, Chelsea, Retail Sales  

Big Sky Junk Removal LLC, 1333 Rimrock Rd, (406) 927-2876, Jabalera, Amber, Service 

Bar One Mobile Bartending, 719 Rimrock Rd, (406) 860-7070, Berg/Paxinos, Eric/Thomas, Service  

Choice Aviation LLC, 2390 Overlook Dr, (800) 587-4066, Payne, Caleb, Service  59105

Watts To Bounce, 2918 Lewis Ave, (406) 598-3315, Watts, Jamie, Service  

Joda Tech, 706 Cook Ave, (406) 697-3332, Kramer, Shawn, Service  

Bret Enterprise LLC dba Aflame Fire Protection, 1018 W Custer Ste 16, (406) 422-0835, Rasmussen, Tucker, Service, Helena, Mt 

As You Wish Wedding And Event Planning, 2316 Alderson Ave, (406) 647-9056, Landwehr, Faith,  Service  

Dragonfly Dreamz Home, 4193 Ryan Ave, (406) 671-2122, Wooden Legs-Looks Behind, Darlene,  Service 

Purezone Rentals, 3193 Avenue D, (406) 334-0951, Damjanovich, Ryan, Service 

Stay With Bo, 821 Miles Ave, (406) 647-0239, Lasher, Jeffrey, Real Estate Rental  

Local Services LLC, 2012 Phoebe Dr, (406) 671-9408, Benton, Ryan, Service  

Alfies Construction, 1640 Lakehills Dr, (406) 894-8791, Kroll, Robert, General Contractors  

Grosz Enterprises, 726 Parkhill Dr, (406) 690-5999, Grosz, Karen, General Business  

Squared-Up Tile, 213 S 40th St, (406) 608-7391, Rowe, Robert, Service  

Sacred Touch Cleaning Services LLC, 1027 Wiloma Dr, (406) 561-0601, Bear Don’t Walk, Lucas, Service 

Powerhouse Construction, 4208 Clevenger Ave, (406) 696-2045, Clemons, Ryan, General Contractors  

Organic Living, 151 Lexington Dr, (406) 839-3872, Carson, Robert, Retail Sales 

Ain’t No Blonde’s Chic Boutique, 819 16th St W, (406) 839-8672, Velazquez/Reichle, Jasmine/Marissa, Retail Sales  

My Home 406, 206 N 29th St Ste 12, (406) 696-0797, Wunker, Michelle, Service  

Angry Bison Cigars, 3713 Marathon Dr, (360) 731-4394, Moorman, Scott/Kimberly, Retail Sales  

Dans Electric, 99 Tree Line Lane, (406) 209-0099, Nitsche, Dan, Electrical Contractors, Bozeman, 59718

Cementsworks LLC, 3020 Ronan Dr, (406) 371-5705, Matson, Geoffrey, Service 

Dyamond Esthetics, 71 25th St W Ste 1, (406) 561-9348, Anderson, Tanzana, Service  

Ronda Smith, 115 1/2  Wyoming Ave, (406) 591-5736, Smith, Rhonda, Real Estate Rental ,  59101

Kinetic Fuels LLC, 419 Robertson Rd, (406) 426-4973, Hively, Jarrett W & Ashley D, Service  

HNL LLC, 1725 Cody Dr, (626) 808-8621, Bardakjian, Ohannes, Service  

Walter Properties LLC, 2915 2nd Ave S Unit 206, (406) 366-1453, Walter, Calvin, Real Estate Rental  

Infraservices Group Wireless LLC, 1787 Sentry Pkwy W, Veva-18 Ste 100, (484) 451-8501, Bicknese, Eric, Utilities, Blue Bell, PA, 19422

Xae’s Construction, 1735 Mariposa Ln, (406) 694-9041, Gonzalez, Jr, Luis Armando, General Contractors  

Lee & Co Electrical LLC, 717 Avenue B Unit 1, (406) 591-2182, Lee, Justin, Electrical Contractors  

Abundant Wellness, 3915 Makell Way, (406) 670-4794, McMorris, Rachel, Service  

Kim Wahlberg Interpreting Services, 4230 Long Beach Way Unit 5, (206) 719-1341, Wahlberg, Kimberly, Service  

Moms Without Capes, Michalsky Coaching & Consulting, (406) 601-9175, Michalsky, Onorina,  Service  

Stangland LLC, 2585 Bitterroot Dr, (406) 601-0560, Stanley, Matthew, Service  

Bighorn Auto LLC, 24 Orchard Ln, (406) 200-7546, Schwend, Joseph, Auto Business  

Mason CPA P.C., 3300 Central Ave Ste D, (406) 861-8839, Mason, Derrek, Service  

Smith Rentals, 2516 Orchard Dr, (770) 316-3016, Smith, Justin, Real Estate Rental  

Gallagher’s, 1106 Parkhill Dr, (406) 321-2929, Gallagher, Jeff, Service  

Gallagher’s, 1115 Parkhill Dr, (406) 321-2929, Gallagher, Jeff, Service  

Bearded Bean Coffee Co, 3024 2nd Ave N, (406) 696-7859, Hartman IV, Emanuel, Restaurants  

Upliftt Thrift Store, 1201 Grand Ave, (406) 606-1761, Liftt, Antique & Second Hand Stores  

Schroeder House LLC, 123 Lewis Ave, (406) 690-7012, Mayott, Michael, Real Estate Rental  

Connie & Greg’s AirBNB, 1087 Keno St, (406) 697-0418, Maciel, Connie & Greg, Real Estate Rental  

Gail’s Guest House Suite – AirBNB, 1257 Mossman Dr, (406) 670-8337, Dees, Gail, Real Estate Rental  

Iron Horse Party Rentals, 2223 Old State Rd, (406) 596-0237, Ellis, Robin, Restaurants, Dillon, Mt, 59725

Indo Services LLC, 3108 Avenue E, (406) 281-1347, Diaz, Isaac, General Contractors  

TJ Seven Clean LLC, 1525 Bench Blvd, (406) 696-0523, Warburton, Rachel, Service  

Sunny Dayz Unlimited, 3420 Granger Ave S, (406) 200-2695, Harris, Shameka, Retail Sales  

Carter Construction, 4900 Buffalo Trail, (209) 777-3501, Fisher Carter, Diane, General Contractors, Molt, 59057 

Frae Everyday Goods (29th St), 116 N 29th St, (406) 200-7429, Miller-O’brien, Tiffany, Retail Sales  

Cozy Chic Studio, 106 S 31st St, (406) 850-2728, Nava, Prima, Real Estate Rental  

Dyenamic Rentals LLC, 1988 N 800 E, (406) 697-5118, Dye, Anthony & Ruth, Real Estate Rental, North Logan, UT, 84341

MC’s Housekeeping, 1020 N 22nd St, (406) 281-3220, Campos, Maria, Service   Lashawn Bernhardt, 4167 Vaughn Ln, (406) 860-4831, Bernhardt, Lashawn, Real Estate Rental  

Shi-Town Properties LLC, 6071 Northstead Ave, (406) 544-0096, Cook, Shilo, Real Estate Rental  

Textbook Construction LLC, 2511 Rancho Rd, (406) 670-9323, Michael, Justin, General Contractors  

Rimrock Landscaping, 746 Burlington Ave, (406) 561-3677, Langton, Ricky, Service ,  59101

MJR Conveyors Inc, 905 W I Rd, (406) 702-0536, Queyrel, Amanda/Wendy, Service, Worden,  59088

Ma & Pa Ice Cream, 7716 Lewis Ave, (406) 606-9730, Madole, Tina, Restaurants  

Foryan Ventures LLC, 2915 2nd Ave S #202, (208) 317-4981, Clayton, Jordan, Real Estate Rental  

Diamond Roofing & Solar, 5825 Titan Ave #2, (406) 598-8107, Smith, Kevin, General Contractors 

Platinum Handyman LLC, 359 Stewart Ct S, (406) 371-1564, Pyrzewski, Todd, Service  

Magic City Flooring LLC, 2016 S Greeley Hwy 3c, (307) 352-9951, Wisneski, Chantz, Service, Cheyenne, WY, 82007

Vision Development Group LLC, 6170 Elysian Rd Units 202, (801) 694-6737, Callahan, Joe, Real Estate Rental  

Peterson Elite Installs, 7453 Burlington Ave, (406) 598-7828, Peterson, Jeremy, Service  

Cheryl Meyer, 3112 54th St W, (406) 591-4245, Meyer, Cheryl, Real Estate Rental  

Cow Dog Electric, LLC, 2314 Clubhouse Way, (406) 606-2071, Long, Kevin, Electrical Contractors  

Pro Clean Northwest, 2015 S 56th St W, (406) 591-5596, Ellinghouse, John, Service ,  59106

Montana Urban Hideaway, 407 1/2 S 31st St, (406) 861-1528, Basye, Eric, Real Estate Rental  

Legacy International, 1236 Cordova St, (406) 248-2766, Anderson, Jasmine, Service  

Atlantic Pacific Resource Group, 1236 Cordova St, (406) 248-2766, Anderson, Jasmine, Service  

Zoetic Therapy PLLC, 1220 N Frontage Rd, (406) 697-2026, Wolfe Ochoa, Ricki, Service ,  59101

Panoramic Hills LLC, 642 Sahara Dr, (510) 338-5201, Ginn, Steven, Real Estate Rental  

Last Best Homes LLC, 3212 E Macdonald Dr, (406) 696-2277, McFadyen, Jane, Real Estate Rental  

Pure Touch Cleaning LLC, 1119 Maggie Ln, (406) 860-1362, Smith, Dakota, Service ,  

GBD Construction, 539 Zebra St, (406) 598-6314, Davis, Brad, General Contractors ,  59106

Firemaster, 455 Moore Ln, (406) 245-9666, Mota, Angelo, Service  

Nineteen LLC, 19 Meadow Glen St, (406) 690-2559, Barlow, Tracy, Real Estate Rental ,  

Healing With Faith, 1611 Alderson Ave, (406) 670-9116, Chilcott, Faith, Service 

Brightstone LLC, 2110 Ridgeview Dr, (425) 999-5867, Cary, Meghan, Service  

Straight Edge Renovations, 814 N 25th St, (406) 927-3832, Wagner, Daniel, General Contractors  

A Sober Start-Hardy House, 2023 Fairway Dr, (406) 839-7405, Keith, Kacy, Service  

Granite LLC, 1351 Granite Ave, (406) 672-8649, Young, Robert Donald, Real Estate Rental ,  , 3012 54th St W 

Jessica And James Tapp, 6010 Farmstead Ave Unit 30, (951) 316-3808, Tapp, Jessica & James,  Real Estate Rental  

Cascade Property Management Inc, 217 Avenue D, (406) 662-1120, Mix, Janine, Real Estate Rental  

Winchell Contracting, 28 Double Tree Pl, (406) 698-7147, Winchell, Scott, General Contractors  

Comforts Of Home, 359 Nubias Pl, (406) 690-5635, Pettit, Yvonne, Real Estate Rental

Accurate Ledger Services, 2145 Hyacinth Dr, (406) 272-2553, Hallam, Kevin, Misc ,  59105

Sachithra Arno, 6027 Catherina Ct, (406) 672-5876, Arno, Sachithra, Real Estate Rental  

Magnum Caelum Properties LLC, 517 S 29th St, (406) 670-2557, Hanson, Chandra L, Real Estate Rental  

Razor Enterprises Inc, 2325 Bigflat Rd, (509) 863-7064, Roeser, Aaron, Service, Missoula, 59804

Dude Ventures Property Management LLC, 903 Rimrock Rd, (406) 876-1788, Gregory/Mitchell, James/Pete,  Real Estate Rental  

Four Seasons Property Services, 3514 5th Ave S Unit A, (406) 845-6085, Nelson/Guerrero-Nelson, Shawn/Alyssa, Service  

Jaerae Wellness LLC, 1216 16th St W #32 Office A, (906) 364-5357, Lindquist, Krista, Service  

LKS Construction, 1907 1/2 6th St W, (406) 696-8074, Swift, Logan K, General Contractors  

All Tree Works, 6842 Us Highway 312, (406) 600-9624, Johnson, Taylor, General Contractors  

Sober Start-Heights House, 1348 1/2 Main St, (406) 839-7405, Keith, Kacy, Service ,  59105,

A Sober Start-Kc House, 2547 Eastridge Dr, (406) 839-7405, Keith, Kacy, Service  

A Sober Start-Kenzie House, 3006 Avenue F, (406) 839-7405, Keith, Kacy, Service  

A Sober Start-Mark House, 3025 Gloxinia Dr, (406) 839-7405, Keith, Kacy, Service  

A Sober Start-Ruthie House, 519 Avenue C, (406) 839-7405, Keith, Kacy, Service  

Afordable Contractors, 106 Broadwater Ave, (406) 598-8862, Marino, Michael, General Contractors  

Hawg Heaven, 148 E 2nd N, (307) 272-1470, Acton, Robert, Restaurants, Cowley, WY 

Commercial

TWAS Properties LLC|Cobeck Construction Co LLC, 570 S 24th St W, Com New Other, $2,000,000

American Lutheran Church|Wovek Inc, 5 Lewis Ave, Com Remodel, $445,131

Oliver Building Residential Owners Association/ NCI, 2702 Montana Ave, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $74,000

Skyway Towers |Infraservices Group Wireless LLC, 2220 Mission Way, Com Remodel, $50,000

TWAS Properties LLC,  570 S 24th St W, Com New Other, $40,000

Rimrock Holding LLC|Bettelyoun & Son Construction, 2141 Burnstead Dr, Com Addition Multi-Family, $15,000

Rimrock Holding LLC|Bettelyoun & Son Construction, 2150 Burnstead Dr, Com Addition Multi-Family, $15,000

Rimrock Holding LLC|Bettelyoun & Son Construction, 2040 Burnstead Dr, Com Addition Multi-Family, $15,000

Rimrock Holding LLC|Bettelyoun & Son Construction, 2022 Burnstead Dr, Com Addition Multi-Family, $15,000

First Interstate Bank|Langlas & Assoc. Inc., 5405 Grand Ave, Com New Office/Bank, $2,000,000

Formation |Formation Inc, 4016 Montana Sapphire Dr, Com New Office/Bank, $698,297

KSK Of Billings LLC|Wegner Homes, 5104 Southgate Dr, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $51,578

Evergreen Midtown Condo’s|Tony Derosa Martial Arts Studio, 1313 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $50,000

Biondich Steven R & Kyle S|Lake Elmo Therapeutic Services, 527 Lake Elmo Dr, Com Remodel, $37,000

Terra West Townhomes| T.O. Jones Construction Inc, 3175 Solar Blvd, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $35,600

Terra West Townhomes| T.O. Jones Construction Inc, 3175 Solar Blvd, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $30,800

Yellowstone Accommodations LLC, 2026 Overland Ave, Com Remodel, $30,000

Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch|Donahue Roofing & Siding LLC, 2050 Overland Ave, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $23,575

Luce Ii William C|Titus Construction, 3705 Montana Ave, Com Fence/Roof/Siding, $16,500

Popelka Enterprises LLC, 670 Main St, Albertsons Store 1227, Com Remodel, $7,500.00

Brandon Halsten |Firemaster, 1603 Grand Ave, Com Remodel, $2,590

Grand Avenue Development Inc|Z.O.D. General Contracting & Construction, 1211 Grand Ave, Suite 3,  Com Remodel, $1,750

City Of Billings, 3601 Briarwood Blvd, Demolition Permit Commercial,  $1,000

Residential

William Quirion Interior Remodel, 107 Burlington Ave, Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $10,290

 David Michael & Diane|Carter Construction, 715 N 24th St,  Demolition Permit Residential, $400

Mike Christensen |Michael Christensen Homes, 4709 Ravenwood Dr,  Res New Two Family, $396,632

Stambaugh Ernest C & Rebecca|Freyenhagen Construction Inc, 2930 Arnold Palmer Dr, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $168,000

Sartorie Michael|J & M Development, 1126 Truck Farm Pl, Res New Two Family, $365,160

Sartorie Michael|J & M Development, 1125 Truck Farm Pl, Res New Two Family, $365,160

Felton Associates Inc|Michael Christensen Homes, 1349 Tania Cir, Res New Single Family, $350,000

Infinity Home LLC |Infinity Home LLC 5031 Audubon Way, Res New Single Family, $290,078

Infinity Home LLC |Infinity Home LLC, 5045 Audubon Way, Res New Single Family, $278,370

McCall |McCall Development, 6263 Eva Marie Ln, Res New Single Family, $220,858

McCall |McCall Development, 1814 St Peter Ln, New Single Family, $192,726

Gonitzke Lindsay K|Ban Construction Corp, 935 N 32nd St, Res Remodel Single/Duplex/Garage, $65,000

Cali Cameron, 622 Bazaar Exchange, Res Addition Single/Duplex/Garage, $50,400

Those advocating to expand passenger rail service in Montana, the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority (BSPRA), hang in limbo as HB 848 is pending in the state legislature, which would create a “Big Sky Rail Account” which would contribute to the estimated $2 billion price tag for a second rail line through southern Montana — the Big Sky North Coast Corridor, which would extend from Seattle to Chicago. (Amtrak’s Empire Builder passes through northern Montana.) 

“It would not be inconceivable,” said BSPRA Chairman Dave Strohmaier, that the cost for the line, “would be upwards of $2 billion for a 2,300-mile long route.”  He said a key component of their strategy is securing support from local governments and municipalities.  BSPRA has garnered pledges of support from numerous cities, including Billings, and counties in Montana, which implies commitments of local funding, in addition to federal funding, and anticipated state funding.

 HB 848 was introduced by state Rep. Denise Baum (D-Billings). It has passed the House and transmitted to the Senate.

Stephen Gardner, Amtrak’s CEO, recently resigned his position. The uncertainty of federal funding and priorities poses additional uncertainties regarding the future of the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.

By Haley Chinander, Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Companies reported in a survey that profits and revenue declined, and some observed that additional economic uncertainty made already price-sensitive customers more skittish. The January survey received 568 responses from business owners across the Ninth District of the Federal Reserve Bank which includes Montana.

Amid this uncertainty, more businesses reported pulling back on hiring but for varying reasons. Many respondents mentioned that heightened labor costs hindered their ability to hire, while others noted that improved labor availability and slower turnover lessened their hiring needs.

Businesses also said that price increases moderated since last year, and their outlook was solidly positive.

Revenue declined for 44 percent of firms compared with the same quarter last year. Profits were also reportedly lower for nearly half of firms.

Expectations for future revenue and profits leaned negative as well, with 36 percent of respondents expecting declines in revenue over the next quarter and 30 percent expecting revenue to increase.

Respondents noted that heightened input and labor costs continued to chip away at their profits. Many also mentioned that their customers or clients were increasingly tightening their belts and unwilling to make large purchases.

“It appears that inflation is really having an effect on people’s spending,” observed the owner of a Minnesota accommodation business. “People generally have less to spend, thus we have seen a decrease in our gross revenue.”

Other respondents mentioned that increased economic uncertainty, especially due to proposed changes in federal policy, was creating concerns about future input costs and demand. “We are anxious about any possible tariffs,” wrote a North Dakota alcohol beverage retailer. “We significantly felt the impacts of the last round of tariffs in 2018 [and] 2019. We tried to stock up in advance of price increases to be competitive.”

Unusual winter weather patterns also continued to impact businesses in different ways. Some retail and accommodation businesses that depend on winter weather saw improved snow coverage and lower temperatures this year. “We are a motel that caters to winter sports enthusiasts, the amount of snow this year … has made a significant increase in business,” commented a respondent in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (U.P.).

Other businesses, even within the same state, weren’t so lucky with snowfall. A resort owner further west in the U.P. reported poorer snow conditions: “We took on this business because past numbers looked good,” but there’s “no winter up here and no winter tourism anymore.”

As heightened costs and economic uncertainty strained firms, hiring slowed to its lowest levels in the last three years. Nearly half of businesses were not hiring, and of those that were, only 18 percent were looking for new full-time workers.

The reasons for this pullback in hiring varied among respondents. Many pointed to declining revenue and difficulties affording wages. “Employees expect better pay. I’m not saying they don’t deserve [it]. Just that we can’t afford it,” wrote the owner of a Twin Cities construction firm.

Notably, most businesses were still reluctant to reduce staff despite declining revenue and heightened costs. Only 8 percent indicated they were actively cutting staff, and a majority expected numbers to simply stay flat in the next six months.

Some business owners mentioned other ways of alleviating labor costs without reducing staff. “We’ve been on reduced hours in our manufacturing area … due to reduced customer orders,” wrote a manufacturer in the U.P.

“We had to cancel health care & other insurance coverage for our staff due to high costs,” added the owner of a Minnesota retail business.

Other firms pulled back on hiring because they had success in becoming fully staffed as labor availability improved. Turnover was reportedly flat for three-fourths of firms, and the share of respondents that said getting new hires was “extremely difficult” was at its lowest levels in two years (see Figure 3).

“We have no turnover; We are seeing a marked increase in qualified applicants for our open positions over one year ago,” observed a North Dakota manufacturing firm owner.

“It seems like we are retaining employees better,” the owner of a South Dakota janitorial firm wrote. “We have improved our training, but I sense there’s less jobs available right now.”

From Northern Ag Network

A nationwide survey of beekeepers has revealed catastrophic honey bee colony losses across the United States, with commercial operations reporting an average loss of 62% between June 2024 and February 2025. These alarming losses, which surpass historical trends, could significantly impact U.S. agriculture, particularly crop pollination for almonds, fruits, vegetables, and other essential food sources.

(Montana beekeepers appear to have lost roughly half their honey bees.)

“Early reports of severe colony losses began pouring in last month from beekeepers across the country,” said Danielle Downey, executive director of Project Apis m. “In response, a multi-organizational working group—including Project Apis m., the American Beekeeping Federation, and the American Honey Producers Association — quickly mobilized to launch this survey.”

“Initial survey results of colony losses suggest that commercial beekeepers may have lost in excess of 60% of their bees. The scale of these losses is completely unsustainable,” said Zac Browning, a fourth-generation commercial beekeeper and board chairman of Project Apis m. “Honey bees are the backbone of our food system, pollinating the crops that feed our nation. If we continue to see losses at this rate, we simply won’t be able to sustain current food production. The industry must look inward and outward for solutions to chronic bee health failure.”

Administered by Project Apis m., the survey gathered data from 702 beekeepers, covering colony losses, management practices, and potential contributing factors. It is estimated that survey participants account for over 1.835 million colonies, approximately 68% of the nation’s bees.

These results translate to an estimated 1,123,959 colony losses among respondents, resulting in the following immediate economic losses:

* Direct colony losses: Conservatively estimated at $224.8 million (based on a $200 per colony replacement cost, not including labor, feed or treatments).

* Economic impact: Factoring in lost almond pollination income based on the survey results, which was estimated at $181 per colony in 2023, the lost income exceeds $428 million. The loss rate to US colonies that were not accounted for in the survey is estimated at an additional $206.4 million in losses, which could equal a total estimated economic loss of $634.7 million.