Montana Senate Confirms Two Judicial Appointments with Strong Support
The Montana Senate confirmed two judicial appointments on Tuesday. District Court Judge Scott Herring will replace Justice Katherine Bidegaray, who was elected to the Montana Supreme Court. Herring, previously Fairview City Attorney, was confirmed with a 49-1 vote. The 7th Judicial District includes Dawson, Prairie, McCone, Richland, and Wibaux counties. Additionally, Yellowstone County District Court Judge Ashley Harada was approved as vice chair of the Judicial Standards Commission, which handles complaints against judges. Montana Supreme Court Chief Justice Cory Swanson testified in support of both Herring and Harada, praising Harada’s public service. Harada’s appointment was confirmed with a 47-3 vote. Both appointments were advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee earlier this month with unanimous support.
Forest Service Silent on Departures of Top Officials in Northern Rockies Region
The U.S. Forest Service’s Region 1 Forester Leanne Marten and Deputy Forester Tim Garcia will retire soon, but the agency has not publicly acknowledged their departures. Marten’s last day is March 28. Region 1 oversees national forests and grasslands in Montana, northern Idaho, North Dakota, and northwest South Dakota. As reported by the Missoulian sources suggest Marten’s retirement may be forced.
Montana Senate Considers Bill to Cover First Responder PTSD Under Workers’ Compensation
Montana’s Senate Finance and Claims committee reviewed Senate Bill 394, proposing workers’ compensation coverage for first responders with PTSD. State Sen. Cora Neumann supports the bill, citing its potential for suicide prevention. While supporters argue it’s fiscally responsible, opponents worry about the financial impact on the state budget. The bill aims to normalize seeking mental health support for officers.
Senate Ethics Committee Concludes Investigation into Sen. Ellsworth’s Controversial Contract
The Senate Ethics Committee concluded its investigation into Sen. Jason Ellsworth’s controversial state-funded contract, releasing a 22-page report. Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, awarded a contract to a friend without following public bidding rules. The Legislative Audit Division deemed it a misuse of state resources. The Department of Justice is investigating potential criminal wrongdoing. The ethics committee focused solely on fact-finding.
Montana Legislature Gains Support for STARS Act to Increase Teacher Pay
Support for the STARS Act, which aims to increase teacher base salaries, is growing in the Montana Legislature. Superintendent Susie Hedalen emphasized the bill’s importance for attracting and retaining qualified teachers. House Bill 252 was discussed in a Senate committee meeting, highlighting its potential to enhance education quality. To qualify, districts must raise base salaries to $41,615. No action was taken.
Unsettled Weather to Bring Snow and Gusty Winds to Montana-Idaho Border
According to the National Weather Service, unsettled weather will impact the Montana-Idaho border through the weekend, with snow mainly above 4,000 feet. A cold front arrives Friday, bringing heavy mountain snow and gusty winds. Valley locations may see a quick half-inch of snow, with freezing roads overnight. Snow showers continue Saturday, but warmer weather begins Sunday, with temperatures reaching the 60s by midweek.
FWP Warns Montanans: Bears Emerging from Hibernation, Be Bear Aware
The FWP reminds Montanans that bears are waking up from hibernation as spring approaches. People should secure attractants and be prepared for bear encounters while outdoors. Grizzly populations have expanded to anywhere west of Billings. Shed antler hunters should be cautious, as bears search for food near snow lines. Officials say, “Be bear aware, and assume bears are around and avoid attracting them.”
