Black Hills Corporation and NorthWestern Energy Merger Seeks Regulatory Nod
NorthWestern Energy and Black Hills Corporation have filed a joint application with the Montana Public Service Commission seeking regulatory approval for their proposed merger. The review process is expected to conclude in late 2026 or early 2027. Company officials say the merger will not affect energy service or rates for NorthWestern Energy’s Montana customers, and regulatory oversight will remain unchanged.
Land Board OKs Northwest Montana Conservation Easement Amid Mining Complaints
The Montana Land Board voted Monday to protect more than 53,000 acres in the Cabinet Mountains under a perpetual conservation easement. The decision marks the final step in a years-long effort to transfer development rights for more than 85,000 acres of forestland in Lincoln, Sanders, and Flathead counties from the Green Diamond Resource Company to Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
Opposing Lawsuits Take Aim at FWP Wolf Hunting Regulations
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, along with the Fish and Wildlife Commission, are named defendants in two lawsuits challenging the state’s wolf hunting regulations from opposite sides. The lawsuits argue that the rules violate the Montana Constitution. The state’s wolf population is estimated at 1,091—12 fewer than in 2023 and slightly below the 10-year average of 1,138.
Supreme Court Declines to Take Up Landowner Appeal in Corner-Crossing Case
The U.S. Supreme Court declined Monday to hear an appeal in a closely watched “corner-crossing” case. The act of stepping from one parcel of federal land to another at the corner where public and private lands meet remains legal in Wyoming and five other states. In Montana—home to more than 900,000 acres of “corner-locked” land—corner crossing continues to exist in a legal gray area.
Interior Department Reveals Plans to Lay Off Hundreds of National Park Service Employees
The U.S. Department of the Interior plans to lay off additional employees, including hundreds from the National Park Service. According to a court filing Monday, the department intends to cut 2,050 positions across 89 units, including more than 180 from parks in the Pacific Northwest, Southeast, and Northeast regions. During the government shutdown, national parks have remained open but are operating with limited staffing.
More Headlines
Gallatin County Tax Overcollection:
Gallatin County has been over-collecting taxes from residents within the Big Sky Fire District for the past four years, resulting in taxpayers paying about $8.5 million more than they should have. The error, now corrected, is expected to reduce some property tax bills but will significantly cut the fire department’s budget.
ZooMontana Gift:
ZooMontana in Billings has received a gift of up to $500,000 in memory of longtime patron Sue Bentley. The donation will directly support the zoo’s campaign to build a new Animal Health Center by matching any contributions made between now and the end of the year.
Kalispell School Property Sale:
Kalispell Public Schools plans to put its Auxiliary Services Building on the market after the board authorized administrators to publish a public notice of intent. Proceeds from the sale will be placed in a reserve fund for future property purchases or investments supporting district operations.
Haunted Helena Trolley Tour Returns:
Spooky season is just around the corner, and the Haunted Helena Trolley Tour is back for those who dare. Half of the proceeds from each tour go toward preserving the historical sites featured on the tour in Helena and other parts of Montana.
Hamilton Christian Academy Expansion:
Hamilton Christian Academy is offering tours of its newly renovated building. The upgrades were made possible by a $100,000 donation and a $75,000 matching grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation. Formerly used as a music classroom, the renovated space will now serve as a gym, lunchroom, and chapel.
