Along with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC), Gov. Greg Gianforte has announced a record-setting oil and gas lease sale on state trust lands, netting $1,187,194 from the first quarter of 2022. “Ramping up American- made energy in Montana is one of many ways to reduce our reliance on foreign energy sources,” Gianforte said. “Additionally, proceeds from

Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has announced the launch of the inaugural Montana Law Enforcement Appreciation Poster Contest for elementary school students across Montana. The contest — a partnership between the Attorney General’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association — will promote public safety and show appreciation for Montana’s

Five candidates are vying for two seats on the Montana Supreme Court currently held by incumbent justices Jim Rice and Ingrid Gustafson. The seat held by Rice, the court’s longest-serving member with 20 years on the bench, is being sought by Bill D’Alton, a Billings attorney. D’Alton filed his registration on Sunday, March 13, a day before the March 14 candidate filing deadline. Gustafson,

A Fort Kipp woman suspected in the death of a man hit by a vehicle on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation was arraigned on March 15 on an indictment, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said. Jo Anne Sayetsitty, 34, pleaded not guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter. If convicted of the most serious crime, Sayetsitty faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $$250,000 fine and three years

After eastern Montana and western North Dakota farmers and ranchers endured the second largest grasshopper outbreak of the last 35 years in 2021, they are naturally nervous about what may be coming next, particularly given persistent drought in the region. And it appears everyone is rightfully on edge. Annual grasshopper surveys taken last fall by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal

John David Panasuk has been charged with criminal endangerment and fleeing or eluding a peace officer. The charges were filed on Wednesday, March 9. The criminal endangerment charge, a felony, claims that Panasuk operated a motor vehicle without breaks at a high rate of speed and was swerving into oncoming traffic on Oct. 1, 2021. The fleeing or eluding charge, a misdemeanor, claims that

March 22 marked National Agriculture Day, a time when producers, agricultural associations, corporations, universities, government agencies and countless others across America gather to recognize and celebrate the abundance provided by agriculture. The National Ag Day program believes that every American should: • understand how food, fiber and renewable resource products are produced.

Montana State University Extension will collaborate with AARP - Montana for a three-part webinar estate planning series in April, May and June. The series, Wednesday Wisdom, will run from 10 to 11 a.m. on April 6, May 11 and June 8. The series will be presented by Marsha Goetting, MSU Extension family economics specialist and professor at MSU. Goetting said that, for some Montanans, estate

Roosevelt County had six active COVID cases as of Monday, March 21. There have been 71 COVID-related deaths in the county. There are zero current hospitalizations. County health officials encourage all residents aged 5 and up to be vaccinated and those over 16 should consider getting booster doses. Immunizations are by appointment only. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call 406-653-6223.