Last Best News (https://montana-mint.com/lastbestnews/category/news/page/24/)
Glacier National Park’s historic and much-loved Sperry Chalet was destroyed late Thursday when high winds pushed the Sprague fire to the east and it overtook the building, despite firefighters’ best efforts. The main building was lost at about 6 p.m., according to Glacier Park officials, who made the announcement via Facebook. (more…) Continue Reading →
Alexander Andrews wants to give homeless people in Billings the things they need, including food and clothing. He also wants to give them a voice. That’s why he started Spread the Word 406, a group that will take supplies to homeless people on the street or wherever they congregate. At the same time, group members will be gathering stories and testimonials, giving the homeless a chance to speak for themselves. (more…) Continue Reading →
The Sweetgrass Border Patrol Station, which last month reported the apprehension of an Irish national attempting to sneak into the United States, publicized another arrest on Thursday. In a press release, the Border Patrol said its agents arrested a 25-year-old man from Alberta, Canada, trying to enter the United States illegally while carrying “large amounts of U.S. currency.” The release said agents saw a “suspicious vehicle” traveling along a road near the border in the vicinity of the Sweetgrass Port of Entry, northeast of Cut Bank on Tuesday evening. They stopped the vehicle and questioned the driver, who said he had illegally entered the country by cutting down border fencing. The man, who was not named, was arrested and his vehicle, a white Chevy pickup, was impounded. Continue Reading →
Joined by Missoula teachers and students, U.S. Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., announced legislation on Tuesday that would do away with standardized tests and give local school districts more control over the education and assessment of their students. Standing in the foyer of Sentinel High School, Tester said his new bill would replace federally mandated tests, required annually, with three standardized tests offered once in elementary, middle and high school. (more…) Continue Reading →
If you feel parched, the statistics say you’re justified. Montana has the most intense drought conditions in the nation, according to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor published by NOAA. And conditions aren’t expected to improve in September, either for the drought or for the wildfire danger. (more…) Continue Reading →
A Montana Supreme Court ruling will send back to District Court a lawsuit filed against the city of Billings by a group of current and retired city police officers. The ruling came down Monday, just shy of a year after the city was dinged for more than $2.7 million in back pay, fines and legal fees. The suit was filed in 2009 by 27 police officers, who said the city had incorrectly calculated their longevity pay, going back as far as 1994. (more…) Continue Reading →
Political races tend to get nastier as campaigns wear on, but the race for Billings mayor only seems to get more amicable. (more…) Continue Reading →
High Plains Architects has been awarded LEED Platinum certification for the Urban Frontier House, the personal residence of firm founders Randy and Janna Hafer. The house, designed to be totally off the grid, is located at 702 N. 23rd St. It includes self-contained, self-sustaining systems for energy, water, and wastewater, including photovoltaic panels, rainwater collection, DC lighting, composting toilets, a wind turbine and an indoor garden room. Renewable and reclaimed materials are featured prominently throughout the house. (more…) Continue Reading →
Another Montana politician accused of illegally accepting campaign contributions from corporations has admitted his guilt and agreed to pay a fine. Pat M. Wagman signed a settlement agreement in which he agreed to pay a civil fine of $19,599 by Oct. 1, and to pay $100 a day for every day after that if the fine is not paid in full. Wagman signed the settlement on Aug. 8 and it was signed Friday by state Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Magnan. Continue Reading →
If you’ve been wanting more information on the people running for municipal office in Billings this fall, you’re in luck. Several organizations are sponsoring a series of forums for City Council and mayoral candidates, set for this weekend in a variety of city parks, and Community Seven Television is airing a series of 30-minute interviews with all the candidates. A primary election is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 12, and the top two candidates in each race will proceed to the General Election on Nov. 7. Continue Reading →
