Montana Land Projects to Generate Millions for State Schools
Secretary of State Kristi Jacobson has approved projects involving state trust lands that are expected to generate significant revenue for the state’s educational institutions. The $23 million in revenue will come from timber projects in Western Montana and oil and gas lease sales across the state. The funds will benefit Montana’s K–12 schools and other state trust beneficiaries.
Exploring Gas Price Fluctuations in Montana This Fall
Average gasoline prices in Montana are unchanged in the last week but are 1.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago and 9.1 cents lower than a year ago. Montana is currently ranked 12th in the U.S. when it comes to the average price of gas, which is one spot higher than last week. GasBuddy.com predicts average gas prices will continue to decline in the weeks ahead.
Planned Parenthood of MT: Priority to Keep Health Centers Open
A court order last week blocked more than 1.1 million patients from using Medicaid at Planned Parenthood health centers to pay for routine services not related to abortion. Four centers in Montana do just that. On Monday, Planned Parenthood of Montana said it will work with patients who use Medicaid in the state to ensure they can continue to receive health care.
Massage Therapists Challenge Montana Anti-Trafficking Ordinance at Ninth Circuit
The City of Billings says its massage ordinance is necessary to combat human trafficking, but a group of massage therapists says it’s an unconstitutional license for officials to search without a warrant. On Monday, they asked a three-judge panel of the Ninth Circuit to find the ordinance—authorizing searches of any part of a home or business as an official deems fit—is overbroad.
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Yellowstone County is leading the state in cases of West Nile virus so far this year, with 8 infected by the mosquito-borne virus. Of the confirmed cases, four involved people hospitalized with severe symptoms. Nationwide, West Nile virus infections are 40% higher than normal.
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Gallatin County residents will have seven opportunities this fall to learn how to turn food scraps and yard waste into nutrient-rich compost. The county’s Solid Waste Management District, in partnership with composting service providers YES Compost and Happy Trash Can, will host free workshops across the county from September 25 to October 16.
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A new supply of affordable housing has been created in downtown Great Falls. On Monday, residents and civic leaders came together to commemorate the opening of the Baatz Block Apartments—Great Falls’ first long-term supportive housing development. The century-old building was transformed into 25 contemporary apartments, with studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom flats available.
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State Auditor James Brown has sent a letter to leaders in both chambers of the U.S. Congress voicing support for re-upping health insurance marketplace enhanced premium tax credits, currently set to expire at the end of this year. More than 77,000 people in Montana receive health care coverage through the ACA marketplace, and almost 90% of customers receive a subsidy to help cover costs.
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The fourth annual Governor’s Youth Hunting Story Contest is now accepting submissions from Montana youth and apprentice hunters ages 10 to 17. Resident hunters must submit a story of no more than 500 words and a photo from their hunt. Eligible entries include the harvest of any legal game, furbearer, or bird in Montana.
