Rural Communities

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Montana schools are nearing a deadline to test their water for lead — and results so far aren’t great.

Now, with two weeks to go before the deadline, 136 schools — only about a quarter — have sent in samples and, of those, 125 have had at least one fixture exceed the state action level for lead.

Video – Bone Dry – Farming Across Montana in 2021

Winifred native Riley Slivka grew up on a farm and ranch, learning all about ag production. These days, he’s producing a different commodity: videos.  On Dec. 7, Slivka released his documentary film, “Bone Dry,” chronicling the difficult 2021 season.

Corporations are consolidating water and land rights in the West

Ghost cattle — 200,000 made-up heifers. A massive fraud rocking eastern Washington’s arid ranching communities, leading to criminal charges and bankruptcy. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a Bill Gates-owned company duking it out at the auction block, each willing to spend more than $200 million to buy 22,500 acres of ranchland and its associated water rights. 

Supply chain issues create multi-billion dollar opportunities for small town America

“This will be the single most consequential development for our local economy since the railroad was laid through here in the 1870s,” said Taylor Mayor Brandt Rydell.

USDA Expands Access to Four Key Loan Programs

USDA Rural Development Under Secretary Xochitl Torres Small announced the Department is expanding access to four loan guarantee programs that provide funding to help rural communities create jobs and improve local infrastructure.

Inequality Grows in Western Zoom Towns

As demand for housing grows, small Western towns are experiencing skyrocketing housing costs and rising displacement.

Bill Gates predicts our work meetings will move to metaverse in 2-3 years

Gates said adoption of metaverse meetings would be slow because many people lack the tools to fully immerse themselves in the experience, such as virtual reality goggles. But he expressed optimism for advances made with three-dimensional avatars and spatial audio to help users feel more connected virtually.

Work Wherever – Job Search Coaching

Job search coaching may be right for you if you answer “Yes” to any of the following questions:

Montana to invest Volkswagen funds to grow ‘electric fueling’ stations in partnership with Northwestern Energy and Town Pump

“Proximity and availability of electric vehicle charging stations is a critical connection for visitors to small communities, and for the support of restaurants and small businesses in key Montana tourism corridors,” said Scott Osterman, the director of the Montana Department of Commerce. “This network of charging stations opens up the opportunity for more exploration of the state, supporting local economies.”

MSU engineering students help Miles City business with manufacturing

When Curt Almy of Miles City recently found himself dealing with the rapid growth of his business, he turned to Montana State University students to help design a manufacturing process that could keep pace with demand for his product.

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Our range includes a flat range from 10-100 yards as well as a 20 target walking course for more realistic simulation of hunting scenarios.

For over 25 years, Zoot Enterprises has been a global provider of advanced origination, acquisition, and decision management solutions.

As the hub of learning, creativity and innovation in Northwest Montana, Flathead Valley Community College is expanding