FCC documents show some internet providers struggling to bring service to Montana
Federal Communications Commission documents show internet service providers are struggling to bring high-speed connectivity to Montanans. According to the state’s broadband map vast swaths of central and eastern Montana are considered underserved. It’s estimated nearly a quarter of Montanans do not have an internet subscription of any kind.
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council Meeting on Monday Turned Chaotic with Four Arrested
Northern News Network’s Ken Adelblue reports on a Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council meeting on Monday that turned chaotic.
Gene Small-Ken Adelblue
Gene Small announced he was leaving the meeting but offered a parting remark about the Office of Inspector General, stating “they have what they need and it’s only a matter of time before a forensic audit is conducted.” The audit was a campaign promise after Small was elected in November and he sees it as the cause of conflict with some council members. As Small’s believes some council members are trying to remove him to hide the truth, regardless of their actions, he expects the audit to be completed.
Montana Attorney General Leads 22-State Coalition in Support of Parental Rights Against Massachusetts School District’s Social Transition Policy
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen led a 22-state coalition that filed a brief that could affect Montana in the future, the brief supports parental rights and is in opposition to a Massachusetts school district’s policy that allows the “social transitioning” of children without parental consent, stripping parents of their longstanding and fundamental right to direct the care and upbringing of their children.
The Montana National Guard is Taking Care of Business
The Montana National Guard may not be in Washington DC but they are right here at home serving and helping fellow Montanan’s. Major Ryan Finnegan with Montana National Guard shares the Guards latest mission in the Princess Lake area of the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness.
Major Ryan Finnegan
This rescue marks the 5th search and rescue mission performed by Montana Army National Guard helicopters stationed in Billings this year.
Public health officials plan for possible measles outbreaks as students head back to school
After a measles outbreak in Texas and 31 confirmed cases in Montana this year public health officials are preparing for a back-to-school season that could potentially see the spread of the contagious disease. The cases are the first in Montana since 1990. To achieve herd immunity around 95% of a population needs to be vaccinated.
Roemer touts infrastructure investments to federal lawmakers
Recent infrastructure improvements to Glacier National Park were on display during this week’s Western Caucus Foundation’s summer policy meeting. The event brought representatives and senators from across the United States to Northwest Montana to discuss issues related to public land management ranging from grizzly bears to timber harvest to wildfire prevention. Park Superintendent Dave Roemer offered members a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage public lands by highlighting several recent infrastructure repair projects funded through the Great American Outdoors Act.
Montana increases wolf hunting quotas and tags per person
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission made updates to wolf hunting and trapping in Big Sky Country Thursday. It increased the number of wolves that can be harvested statewide by 37% from 334 to 458. The commission also increased the tag limit of animals harvested per person to 15 wolves hunted and 15 wolves trapped from the current limit of 10 for each.
Two water customers sue Montana Resources mine alleging water fouling
A class-action lawsuit was filed in Butte-Silver Bow District Court this week against Montana Resources. The suit claims the plaintiffs Amanda Longfield and Eric Jozovich and others were severely inconvenienced incurring costs buying bottled water and suffered anxiety mental anguish and emotional distress because of alleged contamination of the municipal water supply by its copper and molybdenum mine in Butte.
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Flathead County commissioners signed off on a 1,700-acre deluxe resort in Lakeside Thursday. The members-only resort backed by Arizona-based Discovery Land Company is planned to include two golf courses a fitness center spa restaurants and 359 residential lots set to be built west of U.S. 93 near Blacktail Mountain.
The Missoula Redevelopment Agency approved spending up to $1.6 million for a new playing field at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field Thursday. A lease agreement for the site must still be approved and it remains unclear about how a maintenance agreement can be made for the site. No decision was made over whether the field will be turf or natural grass.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has reappointed Scott Aspenlieder and Garret McFarland to the state’s Gaming Advisory Council. It was stablished in 1989 to provide guidance on public policy matters related to gaming including amendments to gambling statutes rule modifications oversight of the Gambling Control Division and clarifications of existing regulations.
Thursday Bozeman city officials celebrated the opening of a below-market rate apartment development in the midtown area. The Westlake Heights apartments off of North Third Avenue include 216 one two three and four-bedroom units and are dedicated to those making between 50% and 70% of area median income. Tenants so far include someone who moved out of a local shelter and a person who was formally urban camping in the city.
The Big Sky School District board has approved policy 3630 which bans cell phone use during the school day. Starting Monday students will fill the halls of Ophir Elementary Ophir Middle and Lone Peak High School without sounds of text pings. The first infraction requires the student to do a reflection in the front office and further infractions require detention.
