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The 133rd annual Wool Growers Convention took place Friday where senator Steve Daines spoke to growers about the continued importance of agriculture to Montana. Senator Daines said agriculture in Montana is important because it’s the largest economic driver, as well as the foundation of Montana values.  He also said it’s important that Montana plays a role overseas to grow our production and grow our herds.  “We need to have access overseas in these growing markets, particularly in Asia,” Daines said. “And I’m fighting for that everyday to ensure we can break down some of those barriers to ensure we get

The man who is a legend in Livingston and was recognized this summer by Senator Steve Daines as one of his Montanans of the Week has a talent many people might not know about.  Louis Armentaro, the Guinness Record Holder Rodeo Announcer, is a colorful character and is quick to share the secret of his success. “I was a twin. My twin died when I was a sophomore in high school,” Armentaro said. “That was the end of my world as far as I was concerned. And then I got drafted when I was 19 and I wanted to go

Even though these mussel species have been found they can not reproduce in the cold temperatures. So Fish Wildlife and Parks along with Governor Steve Bullock and Senator Steve Daines will have time to create a response plan to stop the spread of the mussels.  Governor Bullock released an Executive Order Wednesday calling for an inter-agency response of the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and Fish Wildlife and Parks. Thursday a meeting was held to answer questions from the public and continue making plans to stop the species from spreading.  “Over the past month this situation has escalated in complexity, and as

The state of Montana announced emergency restrictions Thursday on the launch or removal of boats, docks and other structures for Tiber and Canyon Ferry reservoirs until they freeze over. The restrictions were approved Thursday afternoon by a newly formed Montana Mussel Response Team and the directors of the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks. “We’re not anticipating that this is going to impact a lot of recreationists,” said Greg Lemon, an FWP spokesman. “Obviously, the response team feels like it’s an important step.” Restrictions are necessary to prevent the potential spread

Montana’s outdoor recreation industry is frequently cited as a top economic driver in the state, but aside from a scattering of privately funded studies and location-specific economic impact reports, the sector’s full scope remains largely unknown. That could change within two years if a bill passed unanimously by the Senate this week wins President Barack Obama’s signature. The Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act directs federal agencies and departments to begin accounting for outdoor recreation as an economic sector within gross domestic product, a measure the country’s overall economic output. “At a really macro level, it helps show the

In a defeat for privacy advocates, Senate leaders rebuffed a last-ditch effort by a bipartisan group of senators Wednesday to allow a vote to block a new rule that allows federal agents armed with a single search warrant to hack millions of Americans’ computers or smartphones at once. That rule will now take effect Thursday. Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Chris Coons, D-Del., and Steve Daines, R-Mont., took to the Senate floor to seek agreement to bring up bills to stop the rule from taking effect or at least delay it for three to six months to give Congress more time to study it. Republican Senate leaders denied

U.S. Senator Steve Daines today announced $1,402,200.00 for the Western Transportation Institute to study how best to improve accessibility and efficiency of rural public transportation. “It’s great to see additional funds being sent to an organization that has been an advocate for rural transportation efficiency and safety for over 20 years,” Daines stated.  “As a graduate of MSU’s College of Engineering, I am proud their contributions are recognized and these funds will be used to improve mobility in Montana and rural America.” The Western Transportation Institute is a department within Montana State University’s College of Engineering.  They have been designated one