Briefs
New apprenticeships in Montana skyrocket in light of state program, Governor’s office says
The number of new apprenticeships in Montana in 2022 is on track to surpass the number for 2018, 2019, and 2020 combined, Gov. Greg Gianforte announced in a Wednesday press release. Run by the Department of Labor & Industry, Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship program enables workers to receive paid, supervised, on-the-job training in more than 100 […]
Montana Office of Public Defenders names new director
Brett Schandelson has been named the new Montana Office of Public Defenders director. Schandelson started as the office’s acting director in June 2022 after former Director Rhonda Lindquist retired. He has been with the office since 2018 and served as chief of OPD’s Development and Operations Bureau prior to taking over as director. “Brett stepped […]
FWP: More than 84K AIS inspections, 46 found with mussels, 300 found with aquatic weeds
So far this year, Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks and its partners have inspected more than 84,000 watercraft, 46 of which were mussel-fouled and 300 were found with aquatic invasive weeds, according to a news release Wednesday from FWP. FWP, whose partners include the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the Blackfeet Nation, also said more […]
Human rights groups applaud departure of state prison employee with alleged ties to white nationalism
Human rights groups on Tuesday applauded the departure of a Montana State Prison employee with alleged ties to white nationalism from the prison. A report from the Montana Human Rights Network published in April exposed correctional officer Kelly Chambers’s ties to Butte’s Ron McVan, who worked with notorious white supremacist David Lane to create the […]
Gianforte appeals BLM decision on American Prairie bison grazing
Gov. Greg Gianforte has appealed the Bureau of Land Management’s decision to allow American Prairie to graze bison on 63,500 acres of land in Phillips County, according to a filing submitted Thursday and included in a Monday press release. State land makes up some of the acreage which is managed by the federal government. The […]
Corrections officer with alleged ties to White nationalist group no longer employed at Montana State Prison
A correctional officer who was reported to have ties to White nationalism is no longer employed at the Montana State Prison, the department said Friday. In an April 1 report by the Montana Human Rights Network, the group outlined how former correctional officer Kelly Chambers had ties to Butte’s Ron McVan — who worked with […]
FWP seeking public comment on proposed fishing regulation changes ahead of October meeting
Fisheries around Montana will be hosting open houses to discuss Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks proposed fishing regulations before their Oct. 20 meeting, according to a FWP press release. FWP has a total of 42 regulation proposals out for public comment through Sept. 22, which can be found on FWP’s website. Proposed regulations include a […]
Billlings Clinic CEO resigns, new search begins
The Billings Clinic Board of Directors has accepted the resignation of its chief executive officer, Dr. Scott Ellner. Ellner’s resignation is effective immediately. The board has appointed Dr. Clint Seger to step in as interim CEO. In a letter of resignation, Ellner stated, “I am honored to have worked with an incredible group of caregivers […]
West Nile Virus confirmed in Montana
State and local public health officials are reporting the season’s first West Nile virus detections in positive mosquito samples in Dawson and Lewis and Clark counties. The first horse infected with WNV this season was also confirmed earlier this week in Lewis and Clark County. To date, no human cases of WNV have been identified […]
CSKT honor late council member Anita Matt, flying flags at half-staff
Confederated and Salish Kootenai Tribal Council member Anita Matt died Monday according to a CSKT press release. The tribes will fly flags at half-staff to honor Matt, who had served in her position representing the Dixon District since 2016. “She is remembered as a dedicated public servant who put family and community first, which was […]
Human foot found floating in Yellowstone National Park
Officials for Yellowstone National Park said they do not believe there was any foul play involved in an ongoing investigation into a recent death at the park. On Tuesday, an employee found part of a foot, in a shoe, floating in Abyss Pool, located in the West Thumb Geyser Basin in the southern part of […]
Montana invests $18M to fund child care innovation grants across the state
Montana announced on Wednesday that it will be investing $18 million to fund 31 child care innovation grants across the state. The investment comes following a recommendation from the American Rescue Plan Act Health Advisory Commission. The funding will increase child care capacity by opening new, or significantly expanding current, child care facilities, according to a […]