The Montana Supreme Court issued a decision that will allow the opening of the Black Butte Copper mine in Meagher County. The court declared that the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) properly issued a permit to Tintina Montana Incorporated (now Sandfire Resources) in how it will use groundwater in mining 14 million tons of copper.

The court’s decision is the final legal barrier that stood in the way of the mine becoming operational.

The DNRC’s work and permit approval was challenged in a suit brought Trout Unlimited, Montana Environmental Information Center, Earthworks and American Rivers.  The water at issue is 250 million gallons of groundwater that the mining company is not actually using but is moving to a different location.

In a 5-2 opinion, the judges approved Tintina’s plan to remove water that it doesn’t need for its operation but is in the way– referred to as “remainder water.” It intends to treat the water on-site to remove nitrogen that can be problematic for aquatic ecosystems. They will then inject the water underground from where it will be gradually filtered into the water aquifer.

The company argued that the water is neither used nor wasted, only relocated. Water that the company uses in the mining process – about 100 million gallons — is treated differently.

The opposing environmental groups claimed that the company’s plan will diminish the quantity and quality of water in the Smith River. They claimed that the DNRC has created a “loophole” that circumvents a constitutional requirement that Montana’s water is to be “comprehensively regulated and protected.”

The justices noted that there are “manipulations” of water that don’t fall neatly within the beneficial use or waste categories. They further noted that it’s an area in which the Montana State Legislature could play an important role in determining if the situation can be better regulated.

The Billings Chamber of Commerce has announced that they will be following the events of the 69th State Legislative Session with the assistance of Dan Brooks, Vice President of Business Advocacy, and Rebecca Meyers, contract lobbyist for the Billings Chamber. They will advance and protect business interests through official testimony and working with legislators, according to a recent release.

Key priorities of the Billings Chamber include public safety, housing supply, and workforce issues.

Brooks has been a champion for business and Chamber members since starting his career with the Billings Chamber in 2015, working through the ranks from Member and Operations Specialist to Business Advocacy Director. In 2021, he was named to the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), 40 under 40 class of chamber professionals and is currently pursuing his Institute of Organizational Management certification.

“Dan is a proven leader and champion for sound business policies and decision making on the local, state and federal level,” says President and CEO John Brewer. “During his tenure with our organization, Dan has built relationships and trust with elected officials and positioned the Chamber as a trusted source of political information.”

During the 90-day Legislative Session Brooks will split his time between Billings and Helena to directly advocate and testify for business priorities, keep Chamber members up to date with the weekly e-newsletter, and organize monthly videoconferences for Chamber members to get facetime with legislators.

Brooks recently accepted a promotion to become the Vice President of Business Advocacy for the Billings Chamber. He can be reached via email at Daniel@BillingsChamber.com or call (406) 580-8560.

Calumet, Inc., Great Falls, announced getting a $1.44 billion guaranteed loan from the U.S. Department of EnergyLoan Programs Office. The loan will fund the construction and expansion of the renewable fuels facility owned by Montana Renewables, LLC, a subsidiary of Calumet.

The expansion means that Montana Renewables will be one of the largest Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) producers in the world, enabling an increase in annual production of renewable fuel capacity to approximately 300 million gallons and 330 million gallons of combined aviation fuel and renewable diesel (“RD”).

Some of the production capability is expected to be on line by 2026

The planned expansion includes several key components: a second renewable fuels reactor, debottlenecking of existing units, installation of SAF blending and logistics assets, increased renewable hydrogen production, cogeneration for renewable electricity and steam, and on-site water treatment and recycling capabilities.

“This is essentially the largest agricultural investment in Montana history and will double our purchases of seed oils and tallow from approximately 1.5 billion pounds per year … to 3 billion pounds per year post expansion. This is possible through the strong support and partnership of DOE and follows over two years of detailed due diligence,” said Bruce Fleming, CEO of Montana Renewables. “Our MaxSAF expansion drives regional economic development by creating jobs, supporting the broader agricultural industry, and positioning the State of Montana as a global leader in renewable fuels in a practical and highly economic way with technology that we have developed and derisked here in the United States.”

“This investment is a pivotal catalyst for Calumet,” said Todd Borgmann, CEO of Calumet. “Following our conversion to a C-Corporation, we emphasized the importance of the DOE loan as the next major step in Calumet’s vision, and achieving that milestone is a tremendous accomplishment.”

The MRL expansion is expected to create 450 construction jobs and up to 40 operations jobs. 

Calumet is headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana and operates twelve facilities throughout North America.

Blinding Light Fabrication LLC,  3127 Central Ave Ste 3, (406) 208-5261, Berkshire, Zachary C, Service, Billings, 59102 

1889 Brewing Company, 204 N 13th St, (406) 672-6995, Miller, Matt/Lindsey, Beer License, Billings, 59101     

American Classic Pizzeria, 1600 Avenue D, (406) 248-4700, Dupea, Rex, Restaurants, Billings, 59102               

Vierthaler Studios, 2045 Alderson Ave Unit 3, (406) 413-8373, Vierthaler, Eric, Service, Billings, 59102

Spencer Construction, 32 Bus Lane, (406) 696-7409, Spencer, David, General Contractors, Laurel, 59044

Nuernberger Bookkeeping, 8970 Longmeadow Dr, (406) 850-1929, Nuernberger, Colleen, Service, Billings, 59106

Eco ATM LLC-Albertsons # 0038, 1212 Grand Ave, (858) 779-2512, Flaherty(Manager), Sean, Service, 10121 Barnes Canyon Rd,   San Diego, Ca, 92121

Eco ATM LLC- Albertsons #3367, 5317 Grand Ave, (858) 779-2512, Flaherty(Manager), Sean, Service, 10121 Barnes Canyon Road, San Diego, Ca, 92121

Sunset Vapes (Red Door Lounge), 3875 Grand Ave, (406) 671-1423, Welter, Nicole, Retail Sales, Billings, 59102

Alpine Forge Construction, LLC, 1225 Yale Ave, (406) 698-4288, Mitchell, Pete, General Contractors, Billings,   59102

Tacoland Marquez, 3414 Gallatin Pl, (406) 690-9891, Marquez Estrada, Roberto Javier, Restaurants, Billings, 59102

Montana Premier Marketing Inc, 404 N 31st St Ste 121, (619) 845-4845, Traylor, Jaylen, Service, Billings, 59101 

D And S Roofing LLC, 800 Homewood Park Drive, (406) 591-7664, Molina, Martin, Roofing Contractors, Billings, 59106  

Yellowstone Fur & Bone, 300 S 24th St W #F02, (406) 930-2862, Martinz, Mike, Retail Sales, Po Box 923, Big Timber,  59011

Manna Collective, LLC, 3025 Grizzly Trail, (406) 812-2364, Francetich, Bradley, General Contractors, Laurel Mt, 59044

Platinum Pros LLC, 1920 Belvedere Dr, (406) 698-2776, Myrstol, Josh, Service, Billings, 59102

Paris Montana Mercantile, 120 N Broadway, (406) 445-3277, Martincic, Heidi, Retail Sales, Billings, 59101, 19 S. Broadway, Box 1773, Red Lodge, 59068

Union Home Mortgage Corp, 100 N 27th St Ste 600b, (440) 287-7284, Minarchick (Accounting), Dottie, Bank/Loan Agencies, 8241 Dow Circle, Strongsville, Oh, 44136

Butterfly Affect Hypno-Reiki, 2044 Broadwater Ave Ste F1, (406) 598-3543, Hafer, Sara Dyan, Service, Billings, 59102

Ursa Coffee Traders, 2675 Overland Ave A, (406) 671-1398, Wilkins, Jacob, Restaurants, Billings, 59102

Betacom Incorporated, 6188 W Seltice Way Unit 114, (251) 597-2017, Baker (License Specialisty), Ashley, Utilities, Post Falls, ID, 83854

Good Grace Property LLC, 1206 Cordova St, (406) 670-9790, Loveridge, Megan & Charles, Real Estate Rental, Billings, 59102

Z Beverage LLC DBA – 105 Brewing, 815 Yellowstone River Rd, (406) 384-6999, Zeilstra, Travis, Beer License, Billings, 59105    

Graves Construction Group Services Inc, 27162 Burbank, (949) 467-1799, Graves, Anthony, General Contractors, Foothill Ranch, CA, 92610

Harris Company, 532 West Hwy 39, (208) 684-7052, McDaniel, Rjay, Service, Blackfoot, Id, 83221

Dynomite Dusty, 2607 Golden Blvd, (406) 233-9390, Sandy, Dustin, Service, Billings, 59102

Web Savvy Designs, 516 Avenues E, (505) 903-0722, Roberts, Danielle, Service, Billings, 59102

MT Roll Offs, 4230 Shepherd Acton Rd, (406) 697-7739, Reynolds, Buckley, Service, Shepherd, 59079

Carpenter’s Handyman and Cleaning Services, 4740 1/2 Underpass Ave, (406) 697-0393, Carpenter/Jackson, Ryan/Jillian, Service, Billings, 59101

Grateful Gems LLC, 1803 Holloway Ave, (307) 272-3080, Rittscher, Rachel, Retail Sales, Sheridan, WY, 82801  

L & E Roofing LLC, 5229 King Avenue West E1, (406) 404-0933, Enriquez, Analuisa, Roofing Contractors, Billings, 59106   

Mother Tree, LLC, 4904 Nez Perces Lookout, (906) 364-5357, Lindquist, Krista, Retail Sales, Billings, 59106

Caliber Collision Center (Main Street), 1815 Main St, Caliber Holdings Montana LLC, Auto Business, Billings, 2941 Lake Vista Drive, Lewisville, TX, 75067

Blessed Cleaning Service, 307 Westchester Sq S, (406) 861-1366, Cruz, Catrina, Service, Billings, 59105

Nile Freight Solutions LLC, 235 Moore Ln Ste 120, (406) 409-6473, Lin (Manager), Lauren,     Service, Billings, 59101  

Cantrell Drywall, 940 Gold Dust Cir, (406) 855-2841, Cantrell, Spencer, Service, Billings, 59105          

KJS Carberelli, 230 Aristocrat Dr, (406) 208-5303, Scarber, Michelle, Service, Billings, 59105

Agency 220 LLC, 2220 Grant Rd, (406) 794-9998, Gale, Benjamin, Service, Billings, 59102 

Bear T Leather Trade, 3040 Central Ave Apt D306, (757) 650-5889, Themig, Joseph P, Retail Sales, Billings, 59102 

Archuleta’s STR, 103 Custer Ave, (406) 438-5873, Archuleta, Efrian, Real Estate Rental, Billings, 59101  

Shamrock Foods Company, 5755 Titan Ave, (480) 213-5428, O’HSaver, Natalie, Distributors, Billings, 59101, 3900 E Camelback Rd Ste 300, Phoenix AZ, 85018

Maribel R Villafranca LLC, 5665 Crestridge Rd, (406) 647-5689, Villafranca, Maribel, Service, Billings, 59101        

The Dancing Doodle, 317 N 13th Street, (406) 647-7002, Plainfeather, Emmarae, Service, Billings, 59101, 3810 Bestrom Cir, Billings, 59101

Marathon Concepts Inc, 404 N 31st St Ste 121, (562) 631-4891, Middleton, Darius, Service, Billings, 59101     

Legacy Visions Co, 404 N 31st St Ste 121, (323) 239-0465, Anguiano-Vidal, Mayra, Service, Billings, 59101

Macs Towing & Recovery #1 LLC, 1125 Main St, (406) 794-3242, McDonald, Jason & Corrine, Service, Billings, 59105

Macs Towing & Recovery #2 LLC, 1125 Main St, (406) 794-3242, McDonald, Jason & Corrine, Service, Billings, 59105    ,

Rapid Roll Off’s, 2421 Miles Ave, (406) 671-7145, Shaver, Noah, Office Only, Billings, 59102         

Leaf Academy, 985 Peachtree Rd, (406) 534-0304, Benner (Director), Nancy, Schools, Billings, 59102 

Barks and Recreation LLC, 4101 Jansma Ave, (406) 600-7672, Thompson, Clayton, Service, Billings, 59101    

GO Property Management LLC, 1145 N 32nd St, (406) 698-2067, Tuss, Morgan, Real Estate Rental, Billings,

59101, 2837 Highway 3, Billings, 59106

Montana Home Builders, 6324 Victoria Ln, (406) 849-1409, Earnst, Lewis, General Contractors,      Billings, 59106

EPC Made, 610 S 44th St W, (406) 661-5454, Schott/Ibarra, Arianna & Kimberly/Rose, Retail Sales, Billings, 59106    

Heart and Sole Therapy, 1050 S 24th St W, (406) 702-2779, James, Courtney, Service, Billings, 59102   

Performance Cleaning, 3007 9th Ave S #5, (406) 694-7321, Leyva, Melody, Service, Billings, 59101           

Commercial

Wl Zimmerman LLC|Lees Construction & Development LLC, 3601 Avenue D, Com New 3+ (Multi Family), $16,040,000

Wl Zimmerman LLC|Lees Construction & Development LLC, 3602 Spring Wheat Ln. Com New 3+ (Multi Family), $13,320,000

Fracbrian Torgerson |Bauer Construction, 3508 S Frontage Rd,  Com New Warehouse/Storage, $8,000,000

Chavez Nestor Nava|Kingdom Builders Of Montana, 4140 State Ave, Com New Store/Strip Center, $550,000

McCall Properties LLC|Mccall Development, 1536 Mullowney Ln, Com Remodel, $50,000

Atria Senior Living |Graves Construction Group Services Inc, 3075 Avenue C, Com Remodel, $30,000

Wl Zimmerman LLC, 3602 Spring Wheat Ln, Com New Office/Bank, $23,589

American Tower |Betacom Incorporated , 618 Winemiller Ln, Com Remodel, $20,000

Walker Michael|K2 Civil Inc Demo, 533 S 24th St W, Demolition Permit, $11,500

Thirsty Street LLC|Paramount Construction And Remodeling LLC, 2123 1st Ave N, Com Remodel, $8,000

School District 2|Billings School District #2, 820 N 31st St, Com Remodel, $2,000

Yellowstone County|Sletten Construction Companies, 3165 King Ave E, Com Remodel, $4,200,000

CPP LLC, 755 Calhoun Ln, Com Footing/Foundation, $28,000

Kalispell Assembly Of God Chur|Mountain Alarm, 2345 Hawthorne Ln, Com Fire Systems, $3,800

Silvertson Neal|Neal Sivertson Construction LLC, 210 Hallowell Ln, Com Remodel, $100

Church Of Jesus Christ of LDS, 1640 Broadmoor Dr, Com Remodel, $242,833

Nicole Hodge |Elevated Handyman and Construction LLC, 1780 Shiloh Rd, Com Remodel, $24,800

Hanser Properties LP|Hanser Construction Company, 529 S Billings Blvd, Com New Other, $20,000

United Properties Inc, 550 N 31st St, Remodel, $500,000

Seth Stovall, 27 Shiloh Rd, Remodel, $50,000

CPCS, 529 24th St W, Remodel, $29,000

Penfield Jennifer, 2016 Alderson Ave, Remodel, $16,450

Residential

Rimrock Builders Inc |Rimrock Builders Inc, 4624 Twisted Pine Dr, Res New Two Family, $550,000

Rimrock Builders Inc |Rimrock Builders Inc, 4618 Twisted Pine Dr, Res New Two Family, $550,000

Na|Billings Best Builders LLC, 5915 Little River Loop S, Res New Two Family, $500,000

South Pine Design |South Pine Design 2547 Kaley Ln, Res New Single Family, $400,000

South Pine Design |South Pine Design, 2541 Kaley Ln, Res New Single Family, $400,000

Michael Christensen |Michael Christensen Homes, 1315 Tania Cir, Res New Single Family, $350,000

Michael Christensen |Michael Christensen Homes, 1353 Tania Cir, Res New Single Family, $350,000

CDH LLC |CDH LLC 5226 Rich Ln, Res New Single Family, $315,370

Infinity Home LLC |Infinity Home LLC, 577 Chino Cir, Res New Single Family, $278,370

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc, 2535 Morning Rose Ln, Res New Two Family, $254,598

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc., 2529 Morning Rose Ln, Res New Two Family, $254,598

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc., 2523 Morning Rose Ln, Res New Two Family, $254,598

McCall Development Inc|McCall Development, 1845 St Paul Ln, Res New Single Family, $247,369

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc, 5416 Apple Rose Ln, Res New Single Family, $233,234

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc, 5422 Apple Rose Ln, Res New Single Family, $233,234

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc, 5428 Apple Rose Ln, Res New Single Family, $233,234

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc, 5434 Apple Rose Ln, Res New Single Family, $233,234

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc, 5440 Apple Rose Ln, Res New Single Family, $233,234

Infinity Home LLC |Infinity Home LLC, 2237 Lindero Blvd, Res New Single Family, $212,461

Reichenbach Properties LLC|Kay Homebuilders LLC, 2024 Lake Elmo Dr, Res New Townhome, $650,000

3CB LLC |3CB LLC/ 5916 Little River Loop S,  Res New Two Family, $543,000

Mike Christensen |Michael Christensen Homes, 1249 Olive Ln, Res New Single Family, $450,000

Infinity Home LLC |Infinity Home LLC, 589 Chino Cir, Res New Single Family, $273,058

Infinity Home LLC |Infinity Home LLC, 583 Chino Cir, Res New Single Family, $264,6580

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc. 2517 Morning Rose Ln, Res New Two Family, $254,598

Wells Built Inc |Wells Built Inc., 5410 Apple Rose Ln, Res New Single Family, $233,234

By Roger Koopman

I wonder if it ever dawns on all those well-paid, city-bred consultants who come in to run most of Montana’s major campaigns, that nobody is listening anymore?  Oh, sure.  There are the political junkies, left and right, who thrive on the junk food of campaign advertising, doused with the vinegar of vitriol.  But for most folks, the noise of the election season has reached a decibel level that so numbs the ears, that the messages are no longer getting through.  We just want to be left alone to contemplate real ideas and real truths.

Clearly, it’s time to turn off the politicians and listen to ourselves.

Sure.  It’s fair play for a campaign to point out – honestly – the relevant record of opponent.  Tester, Zinke and Gianforte, for example, all have records that voters should closely examine. Their challengers have records, too.  Candidates have a responsibility to bring out important facts, and draw valid contrasts between themselves and their opponents.  But how much is true, and how much is hyperbole, exaggeration or outright falsehood? 

Voters have a responsibility to do their own research, check the websites of each candidate and draw their own fact-based conclusions about qualifications and fundamental beliefs.  Then get in touch with yourself.  Forget about the “popular political culture” around you, think for yourself and ask in the quiet of your own conscience, what do I truly believe?

Meanwhile, the campaigns will continue to grow more strident and intelligence-insulting.  If we succumb to the sheer volume of political noise, we will just be handing elections over to the ones whose collection of interest groups are the largest and have the most money.  For many decades, this is exactly what has resulted in the election of leftist radicals to what I now call the Montana Extreme Court.  Trial lawyer money flooded the airwaves and mailboxes, and voters didn’t do their own due diligence.  If we aren’t careful, the same thing will happen this time around, where the message of the moderate-to-conservative justice candidates Corey Swanson and Dan Wilson threatens to be obliterated by the liberal legal establishment.  

Personally, I approach the voting booth relying very little on the canned messages of the political campaigns.  Instead, I listen to myself.  I ask these kinds of questions about each candidate:

*  Do they reflect humility and a servanthood attitude?

*  Do they understand that government has constitutional limits, and the human possibilities under freedom and free markets are unlimited?  That government itself creates nothing?  Free people do the creating.

*  Do they understand that government is not a Department of Happiness?  It is a minister of justice.  We create our own happiness when left free.  Not when dependent on the “generosity” of politicians, who can give us nothing that isn’t first taken from someone else.

*  Do they understand that rights are God-given, not government bestowed?  They are non-negotiable.  Not for sale.

Of course, maybe you don’t believe these things.  Perhaps you like being directed, planned and controlled by your government.  Maybe you prefer being pampered and fed by your government, at your neighbor’s expense, rather than asserting personal responsibility for your own life.  Maybe, but I don’t think so.  Not really.  And I suspect you really don’t accept the meaning of “reproductive freedom” as the right to kill the innocent, as if the “new morality” requires putting “body” on higher ground than life itself.  I think you’ve had enough of all that selfishness.  You’re not buying it.   

So when you fill out your ballot, stop and listen to what your heart is telling you.  I’m guessing it still beats in rythym with America’s founders, and is proclaiming life (all life, including the smallest among us), liberty (freedom from injustice and government control), and pursuit of happiness (personal effort and individual responsibility.)  If you can find a Democrat candidate who advances those fundamental principles, please let me know.  I haven’t found one yet.  And yes, some Republicans, once in office, fail that test too.

Turn off the political noise.  Stop looking to government to give you something you didn’t earn, by taking it from someone who did.  Trust yourself.  Trust your neighbor.  Trust your freedom.  And vote accordingly.

A former Bozeman small businessman, Roger Koopman is president of Montana Conservative Alliance.  He served four years in the Montana House of Representatives and eight years as a Montana Public Service commissioner.

A bill is expected to arrive on the floor of the US House of Representatives this fall which would increase benefits for individuals with earnings that weren’t subject to Social Security taxation and end up costing taxpayers an additional $196 billion over ten years. The bill would repeal Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and Government Pension Offset (GPO).

The proposal is controversial, as some Congressmen believe WEP and GPO would unfairly benefit public sector workers at a high cost to taxpayers. WEP adjusts Social Security benefits for workers who have pensions from working for state or local governments and who also qualify for Social Security but with a limited earnings record. The GPO makes similar adjustments for spouses and survivors who worked in jobs that were not subject to Social Security’s taxes.

Congress adopted these adjustments to preserve the intent behind Social Security’s progressive benefit formula, which replaces a higher percentage of preretirement wages for lower-income workers than for higher earners, and to duplicate the dual-entitlement rule that prevents workers from collecting more than one benefit at a time. Before the windfall elimination provision and government pension offset were implemented, certain workers and spouses would receive an unfair “windfall” in the form of higher benefits than Congress intended.

The current approach treats some beneficiaries better than others. When these rules were enacted in 1983, Social Security lacked the necessary data to make appropriate adjustments.

The Social Security Fairness Act of 2023 (H.R.82) would repeal both rules, giving public sector workers unfairly high benefits by treating them as if they had been low-income workers 

Montana has been ranked as the top state in the nation for outdoor enthusiasts.

“Montana is best known around the world for our beautiful vistas and wide-open spaces,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “This report confirms what Montanans already know: our outdoor recreational opportunities are the best in the country thanks to our work to boost public access, support our tourism industry, and protect our way of life.”

According to a SmileHub, Montana was ranked number one considering three key factors including outdoor activity access, economic impact and job opportunities, and environmental quality. Montana gained high marks across all three categories, including second in the nation for outdoor activity access and seventh for economic impact.

Increasing public access to public lands is a top priority for the governor. Since Gov. Gianforte took office, Montanans gained access to more than 100,000 acres of public lands through new WMAs in the Big Snowy Mountains, Bad Rock Canyon, and along the Yellowstone River with expanded access at Mount Haggin, and a new state park at Somers Beach.

In August, Gov. Gianforte led the state’s purchase of more than 50,000 acres of habitat conservation leases to increase public access, keep agricultural land in production, and conserve prairie habitats. 

And working together with sportsmen, outfitters, and landowners, the governor last year signed into law several bills to promote public access and increase hunting opportunities for Montanans.

By Chris Woodward, The Center Square

Mountain States are among the most gun-friendly states in 2024.

Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North and South Dakota all rank high in rankings from ammunition e-commerce and wholesaler company Ammo.com. 

Montana is fourth on this year’s ranking. Like other states in its region, Montana is a Constitutional Carry state with no registration or permit requirements. Meanwhile, Montana does not impose a sale tax on firearms, something Ammo.com said means firearms will “be a bit cheaper than in most other states.”

In a statement, Gov. Greg Gianforte said Montanans are proud of their Second Amendment rights. They also know they have a “responsibility” to preserve those Second Amendment rights. 

“We’ll continue to keep Montana a sanctuary for freedom and free enterprise, and we’ll always defend the rights of law-abiding Montanans,” said Gianforte.

In February 2023, the governor wrote United States Attorney General Merrick Garland to criticize the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to erode the 2nd Amendment rights of Montanans. In January of that year, Gianforte took steps with the Board of Investments to block Environmental Social Governance (ESG) investigating of state funds. 

More than 150 firearms and ammunitions businesses are in Montana.

Wyoming is 12th this year, due in part to the Cowboy State having Constitutional Carry, a governor that is pro-2nd Amendment, and Stand Your Ground Castle Doctrine, and No Duty to Retreat policies. 

Idaho is the 11th most gun-friendly state. As it is in Wyoming, Idahoans can open and concealed carry without a permit.

“Those traveling to Idaho will need a concealed carry (CCW) permit, although the state accepts permits from all 50 states,” said Ammo.com in this year’s report. “The state’s standard sales tax applies to all firearms and equipment, but you won’t have to register your firearms or take additional courses before purchasing.”

North Dakota ranks 10th for reasons such as one needs to only reside in the state for 30 days to partake in open and concealed carry freedoms. Gun owners do have to be at least 18 years of age, have no felony convictions, and face no pending criminal charges. Still, Ammo.com applauds the state for allowing those with prior convictions to get their 2A rights restored in the state of North Dakota.

“Governor Doug Burgum recently declared North Dakota a Second Amendment Sanctuary State,” added Ammo.com.

South Dakota ranked ninth. Governed by 2nd Amendment supporter Kristi Noem, South Dakota currently has no registration requirements for firearms, nor does it have additional background checks. Want an enhanced carry permit for travel? Visit your local sheriff’s department for an application. 

“South Dakota accepts CCWs from all 50 states,” wrote Ammo.com. “You can also apply for a Gold Card to bypass the NICS (National Instant Criminal Background Check System).”

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Glacier Park International Airport was awarded another $2.5 million in federal funding recently for its ongoing terminal expansion project. Awarded through the FAA Airport Terminal Program, the dollars will expedite work on the expansion. A portion of the latest grant will go toward a third bag claim device which costs around $1 million.

U.S. Bureau of Reclamation announced recently that the first sections of the 90-inch replacement pipe for the St. Mary Siphon had arrived. This sets the stage for replacing the infrastructure that delivers water to the Milk River Project, a lifeline for north-central Montana. As an irrigation project the Milk River Project and the St. Mary Diversion and Conveyance works were one of the first projects the Bureau of Reclamation was authorized to build after it was created in 1902. The St. Mary Canal Siphon suffered a catastrophic failure June 17, 2024. It was constructed in two phases, with the downstream barrel completed between 1912 and 1915 and the upstream barrel after 1925.

The Stafford/McClelland Ferry will be removed from the Missouri River on October 31.

Whitefish’s Stack Financial Management climbed from #72 to #57 on the 2024 CNBC Financial Advisor 100 list. Stack Financial Management is a nationally recognized, independent Registered Investment Advisor based in Whitefish managing over $1.9 billion in assets for individuals, families and business owners across the U.S.  

The University of Montana has hired Dr. Jeffrey Michael to serve as the next director of the Bureau of Business and Economic Research. Michael joins BBER from the University of the Pacific where he has served as director of Public Policy at the McGeorge School of Law. Michael has decades of experience in regional economic forecasting,

Independence Bank has announced the promotion of Lauren Kato to Teller Supervisor and Accountant Relations Specialist. Lauren is a native of Havre.

Independence Bank recently announced the promotion of Sydne Haider to Account Relations Supervisor. Sydne joined the bank October 13, 2021, as an Account Relations Specialist.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has finalized its plan for managing grizzly bears. Last month, FWP Director Dustin Temple formally adopted a 326-page outline for how the state will address conflicts between bears and people, approach an eventual trophy hunt and respond to the state’s growing grizzly population.

Sarah and Rob Ratkowski, owners of the Montana Milk Moovers home delivery service, are now offering   regular access to fresh, local goods through the Neighborhood Market. The market opened recently off Montana 35. The shop offers dairy products, eggs, produce, meat and other pantry items . The market receives its goods through the Western Montana Growers Cooperative.

Stephanie Cole, a fourth-generation Montanan from Bozeman, is the new chief executive officer of Red Ants Pants, the company announced. Red Ants Pants, based in White Sulphur Springs, sells work wear for women.

The Montana Public Service Commission announced that as of Oct. 1, a typical NorthWestern Energy residential electric customer using 750 kilowatt-hours per month saw a decrease of $6.13 or 5.57% of their monthly electric bill. The decrease comes due to a recent submission to the PSC of NorthWestern’s Annual Power Costs and Credits Adjustment Mechanism (PCCAM).

Glacier National Park saw a record number of visitors in September, according to data from the National Park Service. More than 600,000 visitors passed through one of Glacier’s entrances during September, nearly 50,000 more than in 2023. So far in 2024, 3,001,595 people have visited the park, just the third time that number has eclipsed 3 million and a 9% increase over last year.

The Montana Public Service Commission denied an interim rate increase requested by Montana-Dakota Utilities earlier this year. MDU filed a rate case with the PSC in July requesting a natural gas rate increase of 16.4% for residential customers. As the PSC considers the rate case as a whole, the utility company requested an interim rate increase. The temporary increase would bring the cost to the average residential customer using 78 dekatherms of natural gas up $5.17 per month.

Yellowstone National Park hosted 838,458 visitors in September. So far in 2024, the park has hosted 4,349,689 recreation visits, up 5% from 2023. The year-to-date numbers are just 120,000 lower than in 2021, the park’s record-setting year.

Sagebrush Boutique, a new business has opened in Miles City. Owned by Shawna Christofferson, the boutique celebrated its opening on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport set a September record for passenger traffic. In all, 249,773 passengers came through the Belgrade airport in September up 6.5% over the previous mark of 234,589 set in 2023. The busiest month was July, with 322,732 passengers.

 The Treasure Chest of Hobbies and Crafts in Missoula is closing after over 45 years in business.

The Montana Department of Transportation has applied for federal funding to reduce collisions along U.S. Highway 191, one of Montana most wildlife collision-prone highways. The Center for Large Landscape Conservation, a Bozeman-based nonprofit announced that MDT has submitted a grant application.

The Missoula Family YMCA has received a $500,000 matching grant from the Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation. The gift was given in honor of Mike Halligan, the foundation’s outgoing executive director, who is set to retire in January of 2025.

Bloom Montessori School in Helena has announced it will close its child care center in December. Bloom is licensed to serve 132 students aged 0-6 years old.

Gov. Gianforte presented his annual Forest Products Award to the Weyerhaeuser Raw Materials Team at their Flathead Valley facility during Montana Forest Products Week. While the forest products marketplace continues to evolve, companies like Weyerhaeuser Raw Materials are helping support our economy and responsibly manage our forests,” Gov. Gianforte said. The honorees of the award included Weyerhaeuser team members Shaney Neuharth, Zack Miller, Milo Funk, and Jacob Parent. Miller and Parent focus on sustainable forest management and raw material procurement to ensure non-sawlog materials are used productively. Funk manages by-product procurement, handling over 400,000 tons annually, and Neuharth leads initiatives to utilize slash material for heating systems, reducing reliance on natural gas and lowering emissions. 

The North Dakota Public Service Commission voted to approve a Certificate of Site Compatibility for Cerilon GTL North Dakota. Cerilon has proposed a gas-to-liquids facility that will transform natural gas into synthetic products. These products include Group III+ base oils, ultra- low sulphur diesel and naphtha. The site, near Trenton ND, was selected for several reasons— its proximity to abundant natural gas supplies, access to road and rail transportation, and existing local infrastructure. It also has access to sufficient electrical power for startup and interconnection to the power grid.

Four landmark properties are for sale in Livingston. They are Riverside Hardware and The Stockman Bar on Main Street, the 49er Diner, Bar and Casino on Park Street, and the former Livingston Enterprise building on South Main Street.

The Cascade County Detention Center in Great Falls is facing many of the same changes as Yellowstone County faces with overcrowding and having to detain inmates who should be treated for mental illness. Typical population numbers are over 400 inmates, occasionally exceeding 500, while the official jail capacity is 372. Officials are instituting two programs that could help relieve the jail of low-level offenders and offering mental health care.

North Dakota and South Korea will work together on energy and carbon capture technologies. North Dakota and South Korean officials signed a memorandum of understanding during North Dakota’s trade mission to South Korea. Their goal is to be carbon neutral by 2030, in part through carbon capture, utilization and storage. One of North Dakota’s largest manufacturers, Fargo-based Bobcat Co., is part of the South Korea-based Doosan Group.

Missoula has been awarded over $130,000 of federal funding to “improve energy efficiency and meet the city’s climate goals.” Missoula city government wants to make its operations carbon neutral by 2025, and to require the broader community be carbon neutral by 2050. The funds will pay for staff to develop new voluntary construction codes for building projects that improve weatherization and electrification above state requirements.

The North Dakota Aeronautics Commission (NDAC) has released its monthly report detailing airline passenger traffic at the state’s eight commercial service airports. With 98,371 passengers boarding flights within North Dakota this past month, it marks the busiest September on record, surpassing the previous high of 92,703 passengers set in September of 2014. The September 2024 figures reflect a year-over-year increase of 7,101 passengers, representing an 8% rise over September 2023. Additionally, this marks the fifth consecutive month of record-breaking passenger numbers for the state. 

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) Region 7 staff is increasing public access at the Isaac Homestead Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Hysham. The WMA was purchased by FWP in 1969 and was recently expanded with a purchase of a 414-acre parcel, totaling to 1,532 acres of native wildlife habitat and cultivated farm ground. The Montana Outdoor Legacy Foundation (MOLF), acting as Trust Manager for the Montana Fish and Wildlife Conservation Trust has finalized the sale of a 414-acre tract to FWP from the Lackman Family. The acquisition is located between the two existing units of the Isaac Homestead WMA, connecting the east and west portions and providing the only land-based access to the Yellowstone River.

Montana Knife Manufacturing in Missoula is building a $18 million, two-story, 50,000-square-foot facility that the owner says will eventually house 150-200 employees. Co-founded  in a garage just four years ago, by Josh Smith and Brandon Horoho, the new state-of-the-art facility will include corporate offices, a coffee shop, and a viewing area to observe the knife-making process. They manufacture knives for various purposes, including hunting, professional cooking, and tactical use for law enforcement and the military.

Enrollment at the University of Montana jumped nearly 6% this fall. When including Missoula College, total enrollment at UM increased nearly 5%, marking the largest year-over-year jump in 15 years. In total, the university has 484 more students enrolled this fall when compared to last year, bringing total enrollment to 10,811.