MONTANA — As the 2023 Legislature enters its second half, Montana Free Press is assessing how bills falling under the environmental umbrella — broadly defined — fared during the first 45 days of the session. Here we zero in on proposals to strike, add or amend laws and rules regulating coal mining, solar energy, exempt wells, water quality, net metering, grizzlies, wolves and more. NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER Lawmakers are tangling with water quantity and water quality regulations as they look for ways to encourage residential development and weigh industry proposals to facilitate natural resource extraction against environmental protections. The former has been a ...
The 2023 Legislature has made it to the session’s halfway point. For those who spend their time at the Capitol, it means marathon days, intense rhetoric, and heightened tempers. We went into this session laser-focused on an agenda that supports Montana families, like cutting property taxes for...
POLSON — If you forgot to set your clocks ahead one hour you can go ahead and set them now, or wait six months and then it will be standard time again. If you need more things to gripe about you can always pick time changes in the USA. One thing we can’t change is the first day of each season. Th...
POLSON — The Flathead Lake International Cinemafest (FLIC) celebrated its 11th year Feb. 24-26 showing films made not only in distant countries but those made right here in Montana. Held as always at Showboat Stadium 6 in Polson, this year featured over 40 films, documentaries and short films ...
POLSON — A songwriter from Polson has just announced the launch of an organization that will help strengthen mental health support for young people in underserved areas like where he grew up. Songwriter Tom Fugleberg, son of longtime Polson “newspaper guy” Paul Fugleberg, launched ...
POLSON — Enrolled CSKT Tribal member Kai McDonald, 17, broke new ground for his school’s speech and debate team this month. A junior at Polson High School, McDonald is the first ever to qualify to compete in the event’s National Speech and Debate Tournament. The Polson speech and d...
HELENA — All four members of Montana’s congressional delegation spoke to the Montana Legislature during a joint session of the Senate and the House on Monday, Feb. 20, talking to state lawmakers about the issues facing Congress, including the national debt and the fentanyl epidemic. Demo...
ST. IGNATIUS — Mr. Winter had to show us by sending snow on the last day of February. Stay safe and warm. Remember the first day of spring is March 20. Menu: — Friday, March 10: barbecue chicken, mashed potatoes with gravy, veggies, fruit, rolls, birthday lemon cake — &...
The full moon on March 9 is called the “Worm Moon.” As the ground temperature rises the worms come out and the robins return; a sure sign of spring, even if they show up early. I hope they showed up yesterday. We are seeking a full-time cook for our kitchen. Apply at the Polson Senior Ce...
POLSON — A new local band held a successful debut recently, aiming to bring some of their favorite blues traditions to Western Montana. The six-person blues band, Mojo Rising, got its start a few months ago thanks to a party among local musicians. According to two of the band members, lead voc...
