Beginning Jan. 1, marijuana retailers in Montana will see their licensing and renewal fees jump dramatically if a bill passed by the 2023 Legislature gets signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte. House Bill 903, sponsored by Rep. Mike Hopkins, R-Missoula, would raise license renewal fees cumulatively for marijuana retailers based on how many locations the business operates. Under the new law,

With the 90th and last possible legislative day looming, the lawmakers, staff, lobbyists, reporters and other denizens of the Montana Capitol this week knew that the end of the 68th Legislature was nigh. But if anybody expected that lawmakers would adjourn sine die in the time and manner they did Tuesday evening, May 2, they kept their cards held close. At around 3:20 p.m., Senate Minority

The College of Agriculture at Montana State University is seeking nominations for its Outstanding Agricultural Leader award, which will be presented during the annual Celebrate Agriculture Weekend Nov. 3-4 at MSU. The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 30. The award recognizes individuals, families or businesses that have gone above and beyond for the Montana agricultural industry in the realms

Roosevelt County reported two active COVID cases as of Friday, May 5. There have been 4,103 total cases in the county. Daniels County had zero active cases as of Friday, May 5. The county has 492 cumulative cases. Valley County reported seven active cases as of Friday, May 5. The county has 2,198 cumulative cases. In McCone County, there were zero active cases as of Friday, May 5. There have

A bill moving through the legislative process would give parents more rights in their child’s education, require school boards to share additional information regarding a student’s education with parents and allow parents to opt their children out of certain school instruction. Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, is sponsoring Senate Bill 518, which would require school districts to provide

Montana may be the “Big Sky” state, but the air beneath that large expanse may not be so healthy. In its 24th annual “State of the Air” report, the American Lung Association pointed out that the three-year average for air quality continues to deteriorate in Montana, largely due to pollution from forest fires, which sends particulates into the air and into the lungs. “As fire season

dural reviews should be ongoing in the areas of student discipline, and in the handling of student discipline issues. This should be a continuous process due to the ever-challenging social dilemmas our communities are encountering. The question should be first and foremost, “How does/can these policies and procedures benefit our students?” In which areas do you feel the school district