Cheyenne Tribal Council Boots President Who Resists Stepping Down
Last month we reported violence had erupted at a Cheyenne Tribal Council meeting in Lame Deer. At that time Tribal President Gene Small said he felt some Council members were trying to remove him because he supported an audit of $90 million in AARPA and COVID related monies the Tribe received under previous administrations. Later the Tribal Council voted to prevent tribal members from attending Council meetings closed future Council meetings to the public and hired security guards for protection. This Monday the Tribal Council voted to remove President Small who was out of town on tribal business. Vice-President Little Mouth was also absent so remaining appointed another Council member “Pro Tem” Tribal President. These actions are being questioned by many including President Small who has vowed not to step down unless asked by the people. With tempers running high the Cheyenne Tribal Council effectively closed all Tribal business until Monday September 15th the date of the next scheduled Council Meeting.
School officials discuss safety limitations with Montana legislators
State officials and legislators are beginning discussions on ways to improve safety in Montana schools. Tuesday the Education Interim Committee heard from a panel of experts from across Montana who discussed the importance of adopting essential actions balancing the need for physical and emotional safety. Montana is one of just a few states without a unified and coordinated approach to supporting school safety. Results of the interim study will be presented to the 2027 state legislature.
Latest financial disclosure sheds light on Senator Sheehy’s nine-figure wealth
The latest financial disclosure for Senator Tim Sheehy filed in August shows he holds a wide portfolio of high-value real estate investments and aviation ventures. The co-founder of aerial firefighting company Bridger Aerospace has an estimated net worth between $100 million and $300 million. Since taking office in January 2025 Sheehy has emphasized transparency around his finances.
U.S. House Votes to Overturn Biden-Era Restrictions on Coal
One of the first things the U.S. House did after coming back from an August recess was to pass a resolution overturning Biden-era restrictions on resource extraction across millions of acres in eastern Montana. House Joint Resolution 104 carried by Congressman Troy Downing passed on near-partisan lines with all but one Republican in favor and all Democrats opposed bringing Montana’s all-Republican delegation closer to stated goals of bolstering the state’s mining and energy sectors.
U.S. Forest Service now allows wildfire crews to wear masks
The U.S. Forest Service will now allow wildland firefighter crews to wear masks while they work after years barring them arguing they were too cumbersome for the job. In 2024 over 2,300 wildfires burned in Montana and U.S. Forest Service firefighters and their interagency partners worked to combat these blazes. They have also been helping during this wildfire season in Montana.
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Boise Cascade workers in Billings will be going back to work after reaching an improved deal with the lumber company with roughly a pay increase of 20% over four years. The Boise Cascade distribution center in The Magic City is the only Montana location for the Boise-headquartered wood product manufacturer.
Lincoln County Commissioners have approved a $15.7 million budget for fiscal year 2026. Property taxes for homes worth $300,000 will increase by $300.02 and double that for a home valued at $600,000. The tax increases are identical to what occurred the last two years.
With upland game bird and archery seasons now open Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks officials remind hunters to be “Bear Aware” because bear activity begins to increase in September a they look to put on weight in advance of winter hibernation. Some areas with dense concentrations of grizzly bears are very accessible to hunters.
The Montana VA Health Care System is bringing an in-person PACT Act claims clinic to Box Elder next Tuesday and Browning next Wednesday. Both events will focus on the Promise to Address the Comprehensive Toxics Act which expands VA health care and benefits for veterans exposed to burn pits Agent Orange and other toxic substances.
Next Tuesday September 16th Overdose Awareness MT will host Billings’ sixth annual International Overdose Awareness Day event at Rose Park. Beginning at 5:30 the evening will be about honoring the lives lost to accidental overdoses reducing the stigma around addiction and supporting prevention and recovery efforts here at home.
