Montana Generates $5B in Farm Sales Each Year
As Americans prepare for Thanksgiving—a holiday centered around food, family, and the harvest—it’s worth reflecting on where that food comes from and who produces it: farmers and ranchers. Montana generates $5 billion in farm sales each year.
VA Houses Largest Number of Homeless Veterans in Seven Years — Montana VA Housed 300 Veterans Locally
The Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it permanently housed 51,936 homeless Veterans across the country in fiscal year 2025—4,011 more than last year. The nationwide totals include 300 Montana Veterans, a 42% increase over 2022, who were permanently housed by the Montana VA Health Care System.
Montana Again Ponders Moving Up Its Presidential Primary
Montana is once again debating whether the state should hold its presidential primary in early spring, or even late winter. The 2025 Legislature commissioned an interim study to identify options for an earlier primary, with the goal of presenting recommendations to the 2027 Legislature. A revised timeline could allow Montana to hold an earlier primary for the 2028 presidential election while also including school elections on the state and federal ballot.
NorthWestern Says PSC Can’t Regulate New Colstrip Shares
In a recent letter to regulators, NorthWestern Energy said that a portion of the new Colstrip shares it will acquire on January 1 will be transferred to a new subsidiary that is not under the authority of the Public Service Commission. The company also said the deal does not require PSC approval. NorthWestern submitted the proposal to the federal government last month.
Fire Season Costs State Up to $70 Million
Montana’s 2025 fire season is expected to cost between $50 million and $70 million, driven largely by a complex wildfire near Drummond earlier this year that will likely become the most expensive suppression effort in state history. This year, 2,303 fires burned 75,000 acres in Montana—one of the lowest acreages recorded in state history.
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St. Peter’s Health Integration Plan
St. Peter’s Health has signed letters of intent with Helena Orthopaedic Clinic outlining plans for the clinic’s Helena practice to become fully integrated into St. Peter’s Health Orthopedics. Pending final agreements, both organizations anticipate completing the transaction by December 1.
Laurel EMS Nears Funding for New Ambulance
Laurel Emergency Medical Services is one step closer to purchasing a new ambulance, thanks to strong community support. With the price of a new ambulance exceeding $350,000, the community is working to help offset costs and maintain reliable emergency care. Laurel currently operates three ambulances built in 2017, 2004, and 1999.
Funding Progress for Noxon Bridge Replacement
There is still a long way to go to secure full funding for the $35 million replacement of the Noxon Bridge on the Lower Clark Fork River, but the state has contributed nearly $1 million. That money comes from legislative allocations originally approved for infrastructure improvements in 2023.
History and Civics Travel Grants Open
The Montana Historical Society has opened applications for the second round of its History and Civics Travel Grant program. The grants help offset travel costs for public, private, and homeschool groups visiting Helena to experience Montana history and civics firsthand at the Montana Heritage Center.
Bobcat Hunting and Trapping Deadline Approaches
Residents planning to hunt or trap bobcats—and nonresidents planning to trap bobcats—must purchase the required license by November 30. Bobcat hunters and trappers should be aware of the quota and per-person limit for their region. Seasons will close within 48 hours once the quota is reached.
