Billings MET Transit receives $840,000 federal grant
The Christmas tree at the Billings MET Transit station is going to have make room underneath for two new buses. The city learned last week it has received a $840,000 federal transportation grant, which will be used to buy two new buses and install several of tech upgrades for its bus fleet to make riding easier for passengers with disabilities. The federal Grants for Buses and Bus Facilities Program is competitive, and Kevin Ploehn, director of transportation for the city, said it was awarded at just the right time. “We are just about ready to order new buses so this
Montana native, Billings grad joins NASA as senior adviser
NASA’s newest senior adviser will tell anyone who’ll listen that he grew up in Poplar, Montana. The way Mike Gold sees it, if he can start in rural Eastern Montana, graduate from Senior High and make it all the way to Washington, D.C., then other kids growing up in equally underserved or overlooked communities can do it too. “It’s so important that we not leave rural America behind,” he said. Gold was sworn in earlier this week by Sen. Steve Daines to serve as NASA’s senior adviser for oversight and direction of internal and international affairs. His passion is the
US Attorney General Barr talks meth epidemic with Montana law enforcement
KALISPELL — U.S. Senator Steve Daines hosted U.S. Attorney General William Barr in Kalispell Friday to discuss Montana’s meth crisis. Local law enforcement voiced concerns to the Attorney General including Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino and Kalispell Police Chief Doug Overman. Research from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services shows 23 deaths were attributed to methamphetamine in Montana in 2017. The study shows more than 1,800 criminal violations involved meth in Montana that same year. Senator Daines said the numbers jump off the page. “The stats are staggering with what’s happening right now with methamphetamines right now
Daines, Tester, Gianforte Bill Honoring Jeannette Rankin Heads to President’s Desk
U.S. CONGRESS – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte celebrated Senate passage of their bipartisan bill yesterday, designating a Missoula post office in honor of Jeannette Rankin. Rankin, from Montana, was the first woman elected to Congress. “Jeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women’s rights and a leader for all Montanans,” Daines said. “I’m glad to see our bipartisan bill honoring her legacy head to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.” “100 years ago, Jeannette Rankin completed her first term as the first woman elected to Congress,” Tester said. “In those two short years she started
Bill naming Missoula post office after U.S. Rep. Rankin heading to Trump’s desk
The three members of Montana’s congressional delegation on Friday praised the passage of a bill this week renaming the Missoula post office in honor of the nation’s first congresswoman, Jeannette Rankin. The U.S. House passed the measure in mid-October and the U.S. Senate followed suit on Thursday, drawing praise from Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines. The bill is going to President Donald Trump for signature. “Jeannette Rankin was a trailblazer for women’s rights and a leader for all Montanans,” Daines said in a statement. “I’m glad to see our bipartisan bill honoring her legacy head to President Trump’s desk
Senate passes bill to rename Bozeman VA clinic for Travis Atkins
The U.S. Senate passed a bill this week to rename Bozeman’s Department of Veterans Affairs clinic after local Medal of Honor recipient Travis Atkins. The House must also approve the bill before the facility at 300 N. Willson Ave., becomes the Travis W. Atkins Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic. The clinic is one of 14 in the state that provides outpatient services to veterans. “I’m hopeful this bill will be quickly signed into law, so that folks in Bozeman and across this grateful nation may properly honor Sgt. Atkins’ courage — and legacy — for generations to come,” said Sen.
AG Barr unveils plan on missing, murdered Native Americans
PABLO — U.S. Attorney General William Barr announced a new federal strategy to address missing and murdered Indigenous people Friday during a visit to the Flathead Indian Reservation. On his visit, Barr also discussed methamphetamine-related problems with Republican U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, expressed support for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai water compact, and visited an overlook of the National Bison Range, where he heard the tribes’ goals for the area. A report released last year by the Urban Indian Health Institute said there were 5,712 cases of missing and murdered Indigenous girls in 2016, but only 116 of those cases
Daines, Tester, Gianforte Celebrate Senate Passage of Travis Atkins Bill
U.S. CONGRESS – U.S. Senators Steve Daines and Jon Tester and Congressman Greg Gianforte today celebrated the U.S. Senate passage of their bipartisan legislation to rename the VA clinic in Bozeman after fallen Montana war hero, Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins. “Staff Sergeant Travis Atkins’ bravery and service in to our nation is a true inspiration for Montanans and Americans nationwide,” Daines said. “I’m happy to see my colleagues in the U.S. Senate support this important bill recognizing Atkins’ bravery by renaming the VA clinic in his hometown of Bozeman in his honor. His selfless sacrifice will never be forgotten.” “Today, with
Daines Announces Over $740,000 for Rural Education and Telemedicine in Montana
U.S. SENATE – U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $742,904 in Montana to support distance learning and telemedicine projects at the University of Providence and Benefits Hospitals, Inc. “Expanding access to telemedicine is critical for getting Montanans the health care they need in our rural communities,” Daines said. “This funding will help expand wireless and telehealth services that will improve access to specialty medical care for 164,000 rural Montanans. It will also create a distance learning system to help educate our nurses and nursing students in rural Montana.” $441,357 will be designated