As lawmakers implement a 2020 ballot initiative that legalized recreational marijuana, supporters of a bill that would change the ballot initiative process say it would increase transparency and protect Montanans from out-of-state interests. Critics say it would threaten the public’s ability to participate in policy. House Bill 651 would require lawmakers to vote on proposed ballot initiatives

Montana agriculture was center stage last week at the capitol. In the midst of challenges, frustrations and sometimes fears for the future on a national scale, it is encouraging and important to recognize the support we have in our state for Montana’s No. 1 industry. The theme for this year’s National Agriculture Week was “Food Brings Everyone to the Table,” and we sat around a lot of valuable,

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte has announced that Montana is one of four states selected to participate in the National Governors Association’s (NGA) 2021 Policy Academy to Advance Wholeof- State Cybersecurity. In the new policy academy, Montana will work with the NGA on developing and implementing cybersecurity workforce development plans. “As one of four states selected for this critical

Montana’s first watercraft inspection stations are opening for the 2021 season. Inspection stations near Dillon and Ravalli opened earlier this month. The Anaconda station opened Saturday, March 20, and intercepted the first mussel fouled boat of the year. A used motorboat that had been recently purchased in Wisconsin was found with zebra mussels attached to the anchor. The Anaconda inspectors

For those looking for some good books this year, the University of Montana Alumni Association has it covered. The UM Alumni Association just launched its first Alumni Book Club, featuring books by four acclaimed UM alumni writers, and a series of Zoom discussions with the authors. The alumni authors will share their UM experiences and backstories on how their ideas and writing evolved with readers.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reminds hunters that the deadline to apply for deer and elk licenses for nonresidents and deer and elk permits for everyone is April 1. The purchase deadline for spring black bear is April 14 without a 24-hour wait. Hunters who are applying for special licenses and permits need to have a valid email address. Hunters can apply for permits on the FWP website;

The Scottie Booster Club in Glasgow is currently accepting applications for 2021 Jeff Jurgens Memorial Scholarships. The annual scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who played basketball in high school or who plan to pursue a degree in a medical or health-related field. Other considerations for scholarship awards are community service, academic achievement and financial need. Awards

( Publisher’s Note: Each week, the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office distributes an inmate roster with the names of everyone incarcerated and persons booked into the jail during the previous week and does not necessarily mean there is a new charge or conviction.) Prisoners housed in the Roosevelt County Detention Center this past week include: Nathan Brown, 40, Billings, hold for other agency.

The Montana Department of Public Health’s first dose COVID vaccine allotment is set to increase by 7,240 doses this week, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., says the state will get an additional 2,340 Pfizer first doses (for a total of 17,550) and another 4,900 Johnson & Johnson shots (for a total of 6,100), as well as 10,400 Moderna first doses, bringing the total to 34,050 first doses, up from

In his continued efforts to ensure Montana Tribes can access the resources they need to keep their communities safe throughout the coronavirus pandemic, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont.,announced recently that he secured $19,941,707 to be split between eight Montana Tribes to bolster affordable housing efforts in Indian Country as part of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The funding is allocated