Weekly News Roundup
For week ending May 19, 2024
Elks Lodge Candidate Forum Next Thursday
By Denise Rivette On May 23, next Thursday, at 6:00 p.m., the Beartooth Elks Lodge in Red Lodge will be holding their traditional meet and greet for the candidates on the primary ballot featuring a debate for the local candidates running to represent us at the state level. To date, Brad Barker, the incumbent representative for District 55, is the only candidate to confirm his participation in the debate. If the other candidates, Lisa Bennett and Mary Horman, choose not to debate, it will be the first time in the decades-long history of Elks forums that candidates have refused to participate.
Future of Carbon County Emergency Medical Services in Voters' Hands
Press Release from Carbon County EMS For the past few years, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies in Carbon County have been struggling to provide ambulance response. Last year alone a resident called 911 for an ambulance 33 times and the local agency did not have the ability to respond. The ambulances that did respond were from neighboring communities and took up to an hour or more to arrive on scene. Preventing the collapse of these volunteer services is why the organizations are asking voters to support an 18 Mill Levy level on the June 4th’s primary election.
Commissioner of Political Practices Refers Complaint Against Lisa Bennett to Carbon County Attorney for Prosecution
By Denise Rivette (Updated May 19, 2024 at 11:11 a.m.) According to documents available on the website for the Office of the Commissioner of Political Practices (COPP), on May 8, Commissioner Chris Gallus, referred a complaint against Lisa Bennett to the Carbon County Attorney for prosecution. Lisa Bennett is a candidate for both Carbon County Republican Central Committee committeewoman and to represent House District 55, the position currently held by Brad Barker. The complaint concerns the lack of “paid for by” attribution on Bennett’s campaign signs. In response to the complaint, Bennett twice sent photos of signs that were different in design from the one referenced in the complaint. The signs in Bennett’s photos showed the “paid for by” attribution inside a red graphic line.
Red Lodge Sewer Main Collapse Found This Evening
By Denise Rivette (updated May 15, 9:30 p.m.) Wednesday evening a collapse in a Red Lodge sewer main in the southeast corner of town was identified by Red Lodge Public Works personnel. The areas that may be affected are estimated to be south of 15th Street and east of Platt Avenue. Residents who may be impacted are being identified and contacted. Repairs will begin first thing Thursday morning and are expected to be completed the same day.
Commentary: The Game-Changing Power of Grace
By Kee Dunning for the Daily Montanan In a world that often prioritizes achievement and personal success, the simple act of showing grace is one that is often forgotten–and, unfortunately, to our own detriment. Grace, a compassionate act of kindness offered freely without expectation of return, has a profound impact on both giver and receiver. As a mental health counselor for more than 40 years, I have witnessed first-hand how extending a little appreciation and forgiveness can dramatically shift the dynamics of relationships and foster a much-needed sense of connection and well-being.
Yellowstone National Park: Be Aware of Aggressive Cow Elk
By Daily Montanan Staff Yellowstone National Park said this week that calving season has started, and visitors should be aware of their surroundings. “Cow elk are much more aggressive towards people during the calving season and may run towards you or kick,” the park said in a news release.
Knudsen Calls Laws ‘Ridiculous’ and Says He Got Opponent to Run So He Could Raise More Money
By Darrell Ehrlick for the Daily Montanan At a Saturday night campaign event billed as a “conservative cookout,” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen told a crowd that he had put a friend and fellow Republican up to running against him in his bid for re-election in order to raise more money and because he believes state law is “ridiculous,” according to a recording that captured part of his remarks and was obtained by the Daily Montanan.
Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Opens Complaints Against Attorney General Candidates
By Darrell Ehrlick for the Daily Montanan The Montana Commissioner of Political Practices, the state’s top election and campaign enforcement official, has accepted two complaints that center on the Republican primary race for attorney general, including one involving current state Attorney General Austin Knudsen.
You’ve Covered Your Copayment; Now Brace Yourself for the ‘Facility Fee’
By Anna Claire Vollers for Stateline part of States Newsroom Even if you have health insurance, you might expect to be charged a copayment for some routine care, like office-based exams and consultations. But you probably don’t expect to receive a bill a few weeks later charging you an extra $100 or more.
Farm Bill Text Released in U.S. House, Setting Up Fight with Senate
By Ariana Figueroa for States Newsroom WASHINGTON — The U.S. House Agriculture Committee on Friday released the draft bill text of the long-awaited $1.5 trillion farm bill, which is likely to face opposition in the Senate from Democrats due to disagreements over federal anti-hunger programs and climate change requirements.
Veterans Affairs Announces First Research Site in Montana
By Keila Szpaller for the Daily Montanan The Department of Veterans Affairs’ Office of Research and Development gave the VA Montana Health Care System approval this week for a research site in Montana, according to a news release Friday from the U.S. Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.
BLM Plan Proposes Ending Future Federal Coal Leasing in Powder River Basin
By Blair Miller for the Daily Montanan The U.S. Bureau of Land Management on Thursday released plans to end future leasing of its managed coal resources in the Powder River Basin in eastern Montana and northeastern Wyoming in a move that has angered Montana’s Republican political leaders but is being
Daines and Tester Secure Critical Support for Montana Air Service in FAA Reauthorization
By Denise Rivette U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester on May 9 voted to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for five years and helped secure major wins for Montana air service, passengers and pilots. “In rural states like Montana, access to safe, reliable air service is essential. This bill will help protect passengers, address workforce shortages and increase affordable travel opportunities. This is a win for Montana,”
TARGETING ILLICIT FENTANYL PROCEEDS: “OPERATION CASH OUT” LAUNCHED ACROSS COLORADO, UTAH, WYOMING, MONTANA
Drug Enforcement Administration Press Release DENVER – Fentanyl continues to be the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. In 2023, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) seized nationally more than 77 million fentanyl pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. Across the DEA Rocky Mountain Field Division – comprised of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and Montana – the DEA seized a record of more than 3.6 million fentanyl pills. Through the first quarter of 2024, the DEA is on pace to surpass the previous record.
Tribal Nations Invest Opioid Settlement Funds in Traditional Healing To Treat Addiction
By Aneri Pattani and Jazmin Orozco Rodriguez for KFF Health News PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Outside the Mi’kmaq Nation’s health department sits a dome-shaped tent, built by hand from saplings and covered in black canvas. It’s one of several sweat lodges on the tribe’s land, but this one is dedicated to helping people recover from addiction.
Addiction Treatment Homes Say Montana’s Funding Fixes Don’t Go Far Enough
By Katheryn Houghton for KFF Health News Montana health officials have started a voucher system to help people with substance use disorders move into transitional housing as they rebuild their lives. But those who run the clinical houses said the new money isn’t enough to fix a financial hole after a prior state revamp.
Federal Panel Prescribes New Mental Health Strategy To Curb Maternal Deaths
By Cheryl Platzman Weinstock for KFF Health News For help, call or text the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) or contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.” Spanish-language services
Daines Advocates That Washington Commanders ‘Make It Right’ With Wetzel Family
By Keila Szpaller for the Daily Montanan U.S. Senator Steve Daines of Montana is asking the National Football League and Washington Commanders football team to honor the legacy of a member of the Blackfeet Nation by paying tribute to the team’s former logo depicting an Indian chief.
Montana Supreme Court hears arguments on permits for Laurel power plant
By Blair Miller for the Daily Montanan The short-term fate of NorthWestern Energy’s new methane-fired power plant in Laurel and whether it was properly granted permits now rests in the hands of the Montana Supreme Court after justices heard oral arguments Wednesday in
U.S. Senate GOP Tries to Block States From Spending Some of Their COVID Relief Cash
By Jennifer Shutt for States Newsroom WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate on Wednesday rejected efforts to roll back guidance from the Treasury Department regarding how state and local governments can spend funding approved by Congress during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Knudsen’s Primary Opponent in Attorney General Race Doesn’t Meet Qualification Requirements
By Nicole Girten for the Daily Montanan Attorney General Austin Knudsen’s opponent in the Republican primary race, Daniels County Attorney Logan Olson, appears to be unqualified to run as he has not been practicing law in Montana for five years, as is required by law.
Saturday, May 25, is Bear Awareness Day at Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary - Special Demonstration at 11:00 a.m.
By Denise Rivette It’s bear season! Do you know where your bear spray is? Do you know how and when to use it? Do you remember the physical and behavioral differences between black bears and grizzlies? On Saturday, May 25, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM., Yellowstone Wildlife Sanctuary (YWS) in partnership with Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) is observing Bear Awareness Day as they do every year by providing an enjoyable day with the animals while providing education through a variety of optional activities that are included with the price of admission.
The Race to be the Partisan Clerk of Montana’s Nonpartisan Supreme Court
by Arren Kimbel-Sannit for Montana Free Press The clerk of the Montana Supreme Court is a unique position. Unlike the actual justiceships on the high court, the clerkship is partisan. And unlike almost every other state supreme court clerk in the country, Montana’s is elected,
The GOP Scrum for Montana’s Second House District
by Arren Kimbel-Sannit for Montana Free Press The eastern congressional district candidate forum that the Yellowstone County Republicans hosted at their Lincoln Reagan Dinner in April was, by the standards of campaign-season political events, remarkable.
What Montana’s candidates for governor have to say about renewing Medicaid expansion
by Mara Silvers for Montana Free Press Montana’s Medicaid expansion program, a public health insurance option for low-income adults, is scheduled to sunset in June 2025. The coverage is heavily funded by the federal government but is administered by the state health department. If Montana lawmakers and the governor don’t pass legislation next year to reauthorize the program,
Medicaid ‘Unwinding’ Decried as Biased Against Disabled People
By Daniel Chang for KFF Health News Jacqueline Saa has a genetic condition that leaves her unable to stand and walk on her own or hold a job. Every weekday for four years, Saa, 43, has relied on a home health aide to help her cook, bathe and dress, go to the doctor, pick up medications, and accomplish other daily tasks.
State Library Commissioner Compares Library Association to Ku Klux Klan
By Nicole Girten for the Daily Montanan Montana State Library Commissioner Carmen Cuthbertson on Friday compared the Montana Library Association to the Ku Klux Klan, claiming the organization sent an anonymous letter as part of boycotting a meeting.
Montana Trial Lawyers Group Opposes Call for Special Legislative Session
By Darrell Ehrlick for the Daily Montanan The Montana State Committee of the American College of Trial Lawyers said that it is opposed to the push for a special session of the Montana Legislature. Three different groups of Republican lawmakers have called for a special session. One group of legislators said they believe the Legislature should convene to address
Tester First Senate Democrat to Support Laken Riley Act Immigration Bill
By Blair Miller for the Daily Montanan With immigration and border security increasingly becoming the top issue for Americans in this year’s election and what is expected to be a tight race likely against Republican Tim Sheehy, who has made the border a
Wyoming Coal Production Nosedives, With More Troubles Ahead
By Dustin Bleizeffer for WyoFile Some Wyoming coal mines are likely facing extinction-level headwinds — even before the prospect of new federal coal pollution reduction rules taking effect in 2032, some market analysts say. Wyoming’s two largest coal producers, Arch Resources and Peabody Energy — which, combined, operate five mines in the state — both reported lower-than-expected sales volumes as well as financial operating losses in the state during the first quarter of the year, a situation that’s likely to continue through the summer.