Laurel Selected as Site of New State Mental Health Facility
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services announced Friday that Laurel will be the future site of a new 32-bed forensic mental health facility. During the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers approved transferring $26.5 million to the Montana Board of Investments to construct a behavioral health center in Eastern Montana. The Board is responsible for overseeing the facility’s construction.
Several States Poised to Benefit from Big Sky Passenger Rail
Amtrak previously operated a North Coast route until 1979. Belgrade is the latest community to join the Big Sky Passenger Rail Authority as it works to reestablish that line. Already a transportation hub—home to Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport and Interstate 90—Belgrade would gain additional foot traffic if rail service returned. The restored North Coast Hiawatha route would be known as the Big Sky North Coast Corridor.
Are Holiday Flights Out of Montana More Expensive Than Ever? The Data Says No.
For Montanans, airfare costs influence everything from vacation planning to access to medical care. According to U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics data on inflation-adjusted ticket prices during the final three months of each year, holiday-season flights in and out of Montana have actually declined in cost over the past decade.
Financial and Labor Impacts of New Voting Laws on Counties — and Their Effect on Ballot Accessibility
A new Montana voting law requiring voters to include their birth year has led to an increase in rejected ballots, resulting in additional costs and labor for counties. Counties spent more than $2,600 on letters notifying voters of ballot issues, and additional staff time was required to resolve them. Critics argue the law may disenfranchise voters while adding unnecessary administrative expenses.
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Livingston HealthCare Foundation Launches Pharmacy Renovation Appeal
The Livingston HealthCare Foundation has begun its appeal to support a critical renovation of the Livingston HealthCare pharmacy. The organization aims to raise $750,000 to expand capacity, improve safety, and update sterile compounding spaces to meet modern standards—benefiting patients who rely on timely, precisely prepared medications.
Great Falls Parking Fund Faces Mounting Deficit
The Great Falls parking fund is losing up to $20,000 per month and is projected to exceed a $100,000 budget deficit by January. The City Commission may soon consider actions such as raising hourly parking rates, increasing fines, or reducing personnel-heavy operations. About 3,600 public parking spaces are available downtown.
Kalispell and Flathead County to Hold Joint Hearing on Development Grants
The City of Kalispell and Flathead County are preparing to apply for major community development grants. A joint public hearing will be held Thursday at 1 p.m. to discuss applications for a Community Development Block Grant and a Montana Home Investment Partnership Program grant. Community members—especially those with low or moderate incomes—are encouraged to attend and share input in the Kalispell City Council Chambers.
Beaverhead Wood Bank Ministry Continues 30-Year Tradition
For more than 30 years, the Beaverhead Wood Bank Ministry in Dillon has split and distributed firewood to residents in need throughout Beaverhead County. The group provides about 150 cords of free firewood each year. The ministry uses donations and grants to purchase logs from U.S. Forest Service lands.
Yellowstone River Bridge Replacement Nears Completion
A major project to replace a deteriorating bridge built in 1963 near Yellowstone National Park’s Northeast Entrance is nearing completion. The Yellowstone River Bridge connects the park to the communities of Cooke City and Silver Gate. The new structure is more than twice the length of the original, which had become structurally unsafe.
