The Flathead Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited has long been committed to protecting the Flathead River system, one of the last best strongholds for native bull trout and westslope cutthroat trout. While the North Fork of the Flathead river corridor is protected by the Wild and Scenic river designation, the eastern tributaries and uplands are […]

Since adoption of Montana’s 1972 constitution our governors have vetoed 293 bills in 21 legislative sessions. More than half the vetoes, however, 149, have been cast in just the last two sessions. What’s going on? Well, Democrats say the Tea Party takeover of the Republicans has resulted in passage of a tidal wave of extremist […]

On behalf of the Whitefish Legacy Partners board, we would like to express our gratitude for your support of our conservation, recreation and education work. With your support this year, we plan to build 4.5 more miles as well as maintain the existing 22 miles of the Whitefish Trail. More than 40 local businesses and […]

It comes as no surprise that much of the budget surplus that Montana has enjoyed for the last eight years has come from energy and natural resource development. Oil and gas efforts across Montana, especially our eastern most counties, have provided opportunity across the state and revenue flows to help fund our government services on […]

I first met Max Baucus in 1973 when he entered the Montana House of Representatives as a freshman member from Missoula. His seat was at the back of the chamber near bright and articulate Dorothy Bradley of Bozeman, the previous session’s only woman and future Democratic candidate for governor. I got to know him well […]

Congress is set to debate the Farm Bill, which defines and funds U.S. agricultural policy. The bill will get marked up in the Senate Agricultural Committee and will see floor action this summer. This time, Congress – especially Sen. Max Baucus – a senior Senate Agriculture Committee member, should implement real reforms to the Farm […]

Gun control ads are hitting Montana’s airwaves and Vice President Joe Biden is lobbying around the country for gun control. As a U.S. Senate candidate, I feel compelled to respond. The Second Amendment is not about hunting, period. I believe most Montanans realize that more restrictions on our right to bear arms will do nothing […]

Montana exports had a record year in 2012. Led by grain, Montana exported over $2.48 billion in high-value grain last year. We’re producing products and commodities that the world wants, and all our communities benefit from the resulting jobs, economic growth and tax revenue.?But to continue to thrive in the highly competitive global marketplace, Montana’s […]

The 63rd Montana Legislature ended last week. One issue that received a large amount of attention this session was Medicaid expansion. There have been some bills that address this topic. HB 590 was tabled in the House Human Services Committee, and two last motions to bring it to the House floor were unsuccessful. HB 623 […]

As spring emerges in Big Sky Country, with it comes the anticipation of summer vacations, farmers markets, gardening and enjoying the majesty of the great Montana outdoors. For the Montana Urban and Community Forestry Program, spring is for planting trees – specifically in celebration of Arbor Day – the official observation of which in Montana […]

A recent study out of the U.S. has generated much discussion about the health of the Elk River (April 3 Beacon: “Watershed Concerns Surface”). As the operator of five steelmaking coal mines in the Elk Valley, which employ over 4,000 people who live in the region, we take environmental issues very seriously. Our employees raise […]

The United States Constitution is roughly 4,500 words long. Most Americans can read the entire document from first to last work in 45 minutes. Yet, there is not a more poorly understood, though frequently cited, document in American history. As a teacher I frequently read and hear cries for more constitutional education in our school […]

Throughout the 63rd Legislative Session, members of both parties have touted their efforts to create jobs and strengthen Montana’s economy. Whether it is reducing tax burdens on small business or making new investments in education, there is good news coming out of the Legislature. But occasionally ideas emerge that are contrary to the goal of […]

Montanans are tired of dirty politics, nasty mud-slinging campaigns, and personal attacks. I believe they’re even more disgusted with the fact that many of these tactics are hidden inside dark money organizations that are unaccountable to the voting public. In addition Montana voters need to know that their voice counts most, and we need to […]

In Montana all taverns are licensed for the retail sale of alcohol, with different privileges available depending on the license held. Breweries in Montana are licensed as beer manufacturers. Since 1999 breweries have been allowed to sell samples of their beer through a special exception to the licensing requirements. Tavern owners across Montana helped support […]