As a result of the pandemic more people than before have been behind bars for months at the Montana State Hospital’s forensic facility pending charges without adequate mental health treatment. Katheryn Houston of Kaiser Health News reports as of March 1st, 71 people were waiting for treatment or an evaluation at the 54-bed forensic unit ...
State Nonprofits Struggling With Employment & Rising Wages
The country has a worker shortage which is leading to hard times for nonprofits. Liz Moore who heads the Montana Nonprofit Association says they have some built-in disadvantages that make it harder to recruit workers. For instance companies have raised wages but Moore notes many nonprofits have contracts with the state that makes it hard to in...
Federal Court Blocks State Law Banning Vaccine Mandates
Health care facilities and individual practitioners and clinics can mandate vaccines. Friday, U.S. District Judge Donald Molloy blocked the state from enforcing Montana’s House Bill 702 passed into law in 2021. The Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services requires them to ensure their staffs are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or the...
Montana State Hospital Facing Employment Challenges
The Montana State Hospital is on the verge of losing federal funding after a federal investigation revealed massive staffing shortages led to at least four patient deaths. Department of Public health Director Adam Meier recently told lawmakers they’ve been hiring contract workers as a temporary solution.
Nearly $8 Million In ARPA Funds To Go To Agriculture Programs
With National Ag Day, Montana Ag Week and Montana Meat Day all around the corner, Governor Greg Gianforte and the Agriculture Department Council have announced recipients of the state’s investment in innovative value-added agriculture projects through the Montana Department of Agriculture’s Growth Through Agriculture program. Governor Gianfort...
Fresno Safety of Dams Project To Begin Construction Next Year
Representatives from the Bureau of Reclamation held a handful of public meetings this week along the Hi-Line to inform local residents about the impending Fresno Safety of Dams Project. It is scheduled to begin construction next March following the bid awarding and should be completed in October 2026. The Dam is one of the highest risk project...
Governor Gianforte Accepting Applications For Judicial District Vacancy
Mike McGrath the Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court has notified Governor Greg Gianforte there is a vacancy in the Tenth Judicial District of Fergus, Judith Basin, and Petroleum Counties. Applications are now being accepted from and nominations of any lawyer in good standing who has the qualifications set forth by law for holding the p...
GNFAC Avalanche Update 3/18/22
Heading into the great outdoors for the weekend? Ian Hoyer has avalanche information now from the Gallatin Forest Avalanche Center.
Montana Near The Top Nationally With Employee Resignations
With Americans quitting their jobs at record rates during the so-called “Great Resignation” today Wallet Hub released its report on 2022’s states with the highest job resignation rates. The personal-finance website ranked the 50 states and the District of Columbia, Montana ranks 11th based on how frequently people are leaving their places of e...
Montana Veterans Advocating For Reduced International Military Presence
Concerned Veterans for America advocates for government policy changes on behalf of vets. One of the nonprofit’s main goals is to reduce the country’s current global military presence. Montana chapter Program Director Chris Enget recently said this on Voices of Montana.