By Bill Vander Weele Being a Democrat in a Republican controlled legislature and with a Republican governor, Rep. Frank Smith, D-Poplar, said it was a frustrating Montana legislative session for him. The legislative session ended last week in Helena. “There were quite a few disappointments,” Smith said. “There were no compromises made this year.” There were a few positives,

Montana gas prices have risen 1.6 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.82/g today, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 615 stations in Montana. Gas prices in Montana are 11.3 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.07/g higher than a year ago. According to GasBuddy price reports, the cheapest station in Montana is priced at $2.68/g today while the most expensive is

The Froid Town Council held their regular meeting Monday, April 12. The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. The filing period for council elections is open as of April 22, closing June 21. A mail ballot election is scheduled for November. Open positions include mayor (four year term) and two council positions with four year terms. All newly elected officials will take office in January.

The Town of Bainville held their regular monthly meeting April 14 at 7 p.m. The filing period for council elections is open as of April 22, closing June 21. Contact clerk Nikki Rogers at 406-769-2621 for more information. The filing fee is $10. The council is planning a drive-by review of lots and properties within town limits before the next council meeting. Residents who are out of compliance

The County Cupboard food bank in Culbertson is seeking volunteers to help with upcoming distribution days. The County Cupboard is a non-profit organization focused on ending hunger in Roosevelt County. The program offers food to area residents twice a month on Tuesdays. The group is looking for volunteers for the following Tuesday dates: May 4 and 18, June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20, Aug.

Montana will regain its second congressional seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, according to the 2020 Census state population count released on Monday, April 26, by the U.S. Census Bureau. The count reveals that Montana’s population grew from 989,415 people in 2010 to 1,085,407 people in 2020 — an increase of 95,992 residents over 2010, or nearly 10 percent. “Thanks to the efforts

The mayors of Culbertson, Bainville and Froid are each having their terms expire at the end of this year. Filing for the positions opened on Thursday, April 22. Filing closes on June 21. In Culbertson, Mayor Larry Crowder is due for re-election. Council members with expiring terms are David Solem in Ward I and Mark T. Nelson in Ward II. Bainville Mayor Dennis Portra is due for re-election.