Author: Press Room

Sheep Industry Questions Acquisition

31 August 2020
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From Northern Ag Network

At the 11th hour Senators and Representatives from Western States are calling on the Department of Justice to open an investigation into the acquisition of the Mountain States Rosen lamb processing plant by JBS USA. Montana Senator Steve Daines and Congressman Greg Gianforte said in the letter that, “This acquisition could have a major impact on sheep ranchers in Montana and their ability to get lamb to market, as well as result in an increase in lamb imports.”

The purchase of the Greeley, CO facility, that’s owned by 145 sheep producers from 11 states, was announced last week and could have significant long-term impacts on the nation’s sheep industry. Mountain States Rosen (MSR) is the second largest lamb packing plant in the country processing 350,000 lambs annually. MSR accounts for about 20% of the entire U.S. lamb market.

Mountain States Rosen filed for bankruptcy earlier this year, forcing the plant to be sold. JBS, a Brazilian owned meat packing company, has said they plan to use the facility as a value-added beef plant. Removing that processing capacity from the supply chain will leave the sheep industry with more lambs than there is ability to process them.

The purchase and potential conversion to a beef facility has created a lot of concern amongst sheep producers. The industry has already been hit hard by the recent trade disputes and the fallout from COVID-19. Lamb prices have fallen well over 30% in 2020 alone and many producers are dealing with drought conditions on top of all the challenges.

At this point the chief concern of the industry is that JBS may be attempting to buy market share and shift from processing domestic lambs to importing lamb. JBS is already the largest importer of lamb into the United States.

That fear has led many sheep producers to call upon lawmakers and the Justice Department to halt the sale of the plant. Set to be finalized on Friday, July 31st, sheep producers say the long term affects to the nation’s sheep industry must be examined.

Lawmakers from Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota and Utah joined together to send a letter to the Department of Justice to at least temporarily halt the sale. The Senators and Representatives commented in the letter that the DOJ must “demand that JBS cease from any irreversible actions that might harm the ability of American sheep ranchers to get their products to market until the Department can determine how best to protect competition in this significant part of America’s food supply.”

School Funding Ruling to Effect Laws in Other States

31 August 2020
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The Center Square

On June 30, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 opinion that the application of Article X, Section 6, of Montana’s Constitution (Montana’s Blaine Amendment) violated the free exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution. The majority held that the application of the state’s Blaine Amendment was unconstitutional because it barred religious schools and parents who wished to send their children to those schools from receiving public benefits because of the religious character of the school.

Blaine Amendments refer to language in state constitutions that prohibit public funding for schools or educational institutions run by religious organizations. The language in each state constitution varies. Blaine Amendments are named after an amendment to the U.S. Constitution—sponsored by James Gillespie Blaine—that was proposed but never passed.

Thirty-seven states have Blaine Amendments in their constitutions as of 2020. Louisiana’s Blaine Amendment was repealed by voters in 1974.

In 31 states, the existing versions of Blaine Amendments were included when the state’s most recent constitution or constitutional revision was ratified by voters, which means voters did not vote specifically on the Blaine Amendment but rather considered an entirely new constitution or a larger set of revisions that contained the Blaine Amendment language. In six states, Blaine Amendments were added through specific constitutional amendments, at least three of which were referred to the ballot by constitutional revision commissions.

In Utah and South Carolina, the states’ Blaine Amendments were amended to remove the prohibition against indirect public funding of religious schools, leaving a prohibition against direct public funding.

SBA Officials Commend Local Businesses for Creativity and Community Service

31 August 2020
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By Dan Nordberg and Brent Donnelly

As leaders within the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), we have the privilege to partner with businesses and entrepreneurs pursuing their American Dream – even amidst extreme challenges. Last week, we visited Bozeman, Butte, and Belgrade to learn how local businesses are weathering the pandemic, and we were encouraged to hear about the ways so many not only kept their businesses viable but went above and beyond to support their community.

Take Bridger Brewing Company, for example. Known in the area for locally sourced pizza and brews, Bridger has made community partnerships a central component of their business model. When the coronavirus pandemic impaired their ability to continue business-as-usual, Bridger applied for a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan through the SBA to supplement their income and keep their employees on payroll. Because of the financial flexibility provided by this loan, the restaurant committed to serving their community in one of the ways they know best: they delivered free pizza to fire stations, non-profits, and other first responders.

Mountain Hot Tub was also impacted by the economic challenges of recent months. An integral part of local tourism efforts, Mountain Hot Tubs experienced challenges based on the supply chains of national manufacturers. Though business was uncertain and they weren’t getting the inventory they needed, the hot tub retailer was able to bring back their entire staff through the help of a PPP loan. Kelly King, Mountain Hot Tubs’ co-owner and president, said the PPP allowed them to change their mindset from insecurity to innovation, and they utilized the time of reduced sales to dig into business strategy and consider opportunities for forward advancement.

These stories are just a few that demonstrate the incredible actions of your business community, and the SBA is honored to play a part in making them possible. In recent months, more than 30,000 Montana businesses have received over $2.2 billion in SBA loans. These dollars fueled local economies, made sure families continued to receive paychecks, and kept hometown businesses afloat.

Visiting your region, we were reminded that so much good is happening despite the challenges around us. People are giving back to the community. Neighbors are helping neighbors. Companies are going the extra mile. Yes, times are tough, but by investing in local businesses, we’re truly building a foundation for a stronger tomorrow.

We are profoundly grateful to your local business community for hosting us last week. Together, we’ll continue empowering Montana entrepreneurs to serve their hometowns and pursue their American Dream. To learn more about the PPP or other SBA programs, visit sba.gov/mt.

Dan Nordberg serves as the National Director for Rural Affairs for the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Brent Donnelly serves as Director for the SBA Montana District Office.

Rosendale’s Plan will get State’s Economy back on track

31 August 2020
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By Donald J. Sterhan

There’s no question that we’re facing unprecedented challenges in today’s economy.  From job losses and disruptions in education, to deferred payments, business closures and even bankruptcies, it’s clear we have a lagging economy that is stumbling along in uncertainty.  On that much, I think most all of us can agree.   But where we seem to disagree is in identifying the steps needed to set a new course and get us back on the pathway to economic recovery and growth. 

As a lifelong Montanan with a business career spanning over 35 years in the Treasure state, I must admit that I often see the health and welfare of our local business community as a good barometer of the opportunities available to our citizens.  If we are to achieve growth in our economy and stimulate tax revenues to fuel our schools and public services, then we must rely on a vibrant business community that promotes more jobs, better wages, and the spirit of entrepreneurship.  This result doesn’t happen by chance – it only happens with leadership. 

It is for this reason that I was pleased to see Matt Rosendale step forward this past week in a very public way to take the initiative and offer leadership in this debate over the next best steps.   Last week I participated in a roundtable discussion that Rosendale hosted with business leaders from around Montana, with a variety of industries represented including retail, construction, agriculture, healthcare, financial services, and tourism.  Rosendale convened the roundtable to listen to specific issues affecting each of our industries as a result of COVID-19, and to discuss any ways that we felt the federal government could make it easier on businesses during these challenging times.

Over the course of the conversation, it became clear to me that Rosendale draws on his own experience as a businessman, with much success to his credit in growing his family’s small business, creating jobs, and signing both sides of a paycheck.  But even more impressive is his willingness to listen – and it’s a refreshing quality. This quality is evident in Matt Rosendale’s “Plan to Reignite Our Economy”.  I’ve reviewed this plan and believe it’s right on the mark. 

The plan that he released addresses many of the concerns we shared with him at the roundtable, from liability protections for businessowners, to incentivizing employees to return to work, to rolling back crushing federal regulations and taxes.  It’s apparent to me that Rosendale and his team have worked overtime to consolidate the various business issues and recommendations into an organized and bold plan to rebuild our economy, unleash growth, foster job creation, and promote innovation in Montana.  

Now that’s leadership.  Especially in these uncertain times, that’s the brand of leadership from our public officials that is critically important.   In Congress, in the legislature, and in local municipalities, we need leaders with a clear understanding of the challenges facing businesses.  Matt Rosendale has demonstrated to me that he is indeed that type of leader.

Donald J. Sterhan is the President and CEO of Mountain Plains Equity Group. He has previously served as Chairman of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, President of the Montana Chamber Foundation, on the White House Conference on Small Business, and as a member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.

MSU-B Gets Glowing Report

31 August 2020
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Following recommendations from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities’  Seven Year Mission Fulfillment and Sustainability Evaluation of MSU Billings which occurred in 2018, MSU Billings received a glowing report from the NWCCU’s virtual visit this past April, commending the university for turning the ship around in such a short amount of time.

More Telehealth Services

31 August 2020
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President Trump issued an executive order to expand access to telehealth services for millions of Americans—especially those living in rural communities.

“The Trump Administration has cut red tape allowing telehealth services for seniors and for other Americans,” Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a news briefing. “Thirty-five percent of Medicare beneficiaries took advantage of the President’s reform.”

The executive order calls for more investments into Rural America’s communications infrastructure to better support telehealth. As a result, more Americans would have access to the kind of affordable, personalized care that puts the patient in control. President Trump issued an executive order to expand access to telehealth services for millions of Americans—especially those living in rural communities.

“The Trump Administration has cut red tape allowing telehealth services for seniors and for other Americans,” Press Secretary Kayleigh McEnany said at a news briefing. “Thirty-five percent of Medicare beneficiaries took advantage of the President’s reform.”

The executive order calls for more investments into Rural America’s communications infrastructure to better support telehealth. As a result, more Americans would have access to the kind of affordable, personalized care that puts the patient in control.

Montana Has Low Positivity Rates

31 August 2020
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In a state-by-state breakdown of positivity rates, in testing for the COVID -19 virus in nursing homes, Montana is in the lowest category – those states with less than a five percent positive rate.

The study was released by American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living. With 71 nursing homes, Montana’s positivity rate is 4.2 percent.

The agencies are concerned about the 33 states that have positivity rates higher than 5 percent- – ranging from Arizona with 22.7 percent to Oregon with 5.1 percent. Maine and Vermont have the lowest rates at 0.7 percent.

Since July 26, there are 33 states with a positive test rate of over five percent, underscoring the need for increased testing and PPE to keep the virus from spreading.  Many states still have a significant percentage of facilities without vital PPE, including N95 masks, surgical masks, and gowns, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

 On July 22, 2020, the CMS announced that, “[they] will begin requiring, rather than recommending, that all nursing homes in states with a 5% positivity rate or greater test all nursing home staff each week.” If implemented today, 11,640 nursing homes would be required to conduct such weekly testing.

 AHCA/NCAL represents more than 14,000 nursing homes and assisted living facilities. 

MDU Reports 2nd Quarter

31 August 2020
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MDU Resources Group, Inc. reported second quarter earnings of $99.7 million, or 50 cents per share, a 61% increase over second quarter 2019 earnings of $61.8 million, or 31 cents per share. For the six months ended June 30, MDU Resources earned $124.8 million, or 62 cents per share, compared to $102.7 million, or 52 cents per share, in 2019.

Said David L. Goodin, president and CEO of MDU Resources, “Our operations performed extremely well in the quarter, with record revenues and earnings at both our construction businesses and very strong results from our regulated energy delivery businesses.

“Our geographic diversity and focus on midsize markets has served us well …. Our utility and pipeline operations continue to provide needed energy … and our total construction backlog remains at a near-record level of nearly $2.2 billion.” The construction materials business had record second quarter revenues and earnings. Revenues were $621.1 million, compared to $596.0 million for the same period last year, and earnings of $53.0 million were an 82% increase over second quarter 2019 earnings of $29.2 million.

Mason O’Donnell Joins Stockman Bank

31 August 2020
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Mason O’Donnell recently joined Stockman Bank as a Financial Analyst. His responsibilities include modeling interest rate and liquidity risk; and assisting in the analysis of the balance sheet strategies, funding options and firm capitalization.

 He will also provide credit write-ups and analysis on fixed income investments for the bank’s bond portfolio, as well as the reporting of key measurements, performance ratios and credit standards.

O’Donnell earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and Finance at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa in 2019. He is currently a level 2 candidate in the CFA program.

He is located at 2700 King Avenue West and can be reached at 406-655-3989.

HUB Drop-In Center in Downtown Billings to Close

31 August 2020
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The HUB Drop-In Center in Downtown Billings with be closing its doors, effective October 1. The Board of Directors for the Mental Health Center made the difficult decision at its July meeting, after months of serious consideration of multiple alternatives.

The decision to close The HUB allows the Mental Health Center to maintain all other services at full capacity, said Board Chairman, Carl Seilstad, including the “Project to Assist in the Transition from Homelessness” or PATH program. That program will be relocated to the Center’s main campus on North 29th Street. The Mental Health Center serves many other vulnerable populations including military veterans, senior citizens, people with co-occurring mental illness and substance use disorders, and families with youth experiencing their first psychotic break.

The Region III Mental Health Center is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the establishment, development and maintenance of high-quality mental health and chemical dependency care in South Central Montana. The Mental Health Center has been serving the needs of our community since 1971.

The programs and services provided by the Mental Health Center:

—Program for Assertive Community Treatment (PACT)

The PACT Team helps individuals with severe disabling mental illness maintain independence and remain in a community setting.  From a psychiatrist and nurses to therapists and rehab aides, nearly 90 clients are visited daily by the PACT team.

—Projects to Assist in the Transition from Homelessness (PATH)

Previously located at The HUB, the PATH program will move to 1245 N. 29th St., located between the MSUB and hospital campuses. Clients in the PATH program receive extensive case management services and are actively working to overcome homelessness.

—Early Psychosis Intervention Clinic (EPIC)

The first psychotic break experienced by a teen or young adult can be traumatizing for both the patient and their family members. In partnership with Billings Clinic, the Mental Health Center offers a wraparound approach for youth 15-21 through the EPIC program.

—Regional Satellite Offices

Satellite offices in Columbus, Big Timber, Red Lodge, Roundup, and Lewistown provide services for individuals in our rural and frontier areas. Services include both mental health and addiction counseling. 

—Rainbow House Day Treatment Center

Seniors, people with disabilities and individuals with mental illness often utilize the Rainbow House as a safe space to gather, learn, eat and build relationships. The facility near North Park also houses CPR, Mental Health First Aid and other community trainings.

—Group Home and Community Apartments

The Mental Health Center operates a group home for a small number of carefully-screened individuals who stand to benefit greatly from a structured residential setting. The nonprofit also maintains a few apartments donated to the organization for affordable housing.

— Journey Recovery Program

Substance Use Disorders can cause long-term health problems and often interferes with relationships at work, school or home. Our Licensed Addiction Counselors offer clients a supportive environment and a pathway to recovery through evidence-based treatment.

—Outpatient Therapy

For some individuals, a few counseling sessions is all that is needed to regain control of their lives. For others, therapy can take longer to yield the same results. The Mental Health Center’s team of licensed clinicians is here to offer hope and share solutions.

—Psychiatric Services

Once someone is diagnosed with a mental illness that requires pharmaceutical intervention, the prescribers at the Mental Health Center offer medication management at an affordable rate that is covered by many different insurance carriers, including Medicare and Medicaid.

 The Region III Mental Health Center is a registered non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation dedicated to the establishment, development and maintenance of high-quality mental health and chemical dependency care in South Central Montana. The Mental Health Center has been serving the needs of our community since 1971. Our compassionate, caring staff is experienced in a wide variety of counseling services including individual and family counseling and psychiatric services. Our ultimate goal at the Mental Health Center is to help people of all ages overcome the roadblocks that keep them from enjoying a healthy, happy, productive life.