All posts by Big Sky Headlines

Montana SBDC Honors Quincy Walter of Wolf Point as 2024 State Star

In a distinguished accolade, Quincy Walter of Wolf Point has been named the 2024 Montana “State Star” by the Montana Department of Commerce and the Montana Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network. This national honor recognizes outstanding contributions and performance among SBDC directors across the country. Walter, serving as SBDC Regional Director hosted by the Read More…

Governor Gianforte Commits to Enhancing Behavioral Health Care in Montana Tribal Communities

Governor Greg Gianforte recently engaged with the Rocky Boy Agency Tribal council in Box Elder, Montana, to discuss significant investments in behavioral health care across north central Montana. During his visit to the Rocky Boy Health Center, Governor Gianforte underscored the state’s commitment to supporting mental health and substance abuse initiatives rather than neglecting those Read More…

Glacier Bancorp Reports Strong Quarterly and First Half 2024 Results

Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced its financial results for the second quarter and first half of 2024, highlighting significant developments in earnings and operational performance. For the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, Glacier Bancorp reported a net income of $44.7 million, marking a notable increase of $12.1 million, or 37 percent, from the Read More…

House Committee Advances Zinke Funding Proposal

The House Appropriations Committee took a significant step forward by passing the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 out of Full Committee Markup. This legislation includes substantial provisions aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs and housing challenges in Western Montana. Among the key components of the bill Read More…

Senator Steve Daines Advocates for Grizzly Bear Delisting Despite Administrative Hurdles

Senator Steve Daines made a compelling case today at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing for the delisting of grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone and Northern Continental Divide Ecosystems. He highlighted the discrepancy between the robust grizzly populations and the prolonged delay in their delisting review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Read More…

Former South Dakota Department of Social Services Employee Indicted for Stealing $1.8 Million

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has announced a significant development in a case involving alleged embezzlement from the state’s Department of Social Services. Lonna Carroll, 68, of Algona, IA, has been indicted for reportedly stealing an estimated $1.8 million in state and federal funds from the department’s Child Protection Services program. Carroll faces two Read More…

Senator Josh Hawley Raises Concerns Over Security Failures at Trump Rally

In a bold move, Senator Josh Hawley of Missouri has publicly addressed serious allegations regarding the security arrangements at former President Donald Trump’s recent rally. In a letter addressed to United States Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Senator Hawley detailed concerns brought forward by whistleblowers within the security apparatus. The letter, opens with Senator Read More…

DeliverFund and Whooster Announce Partnership to Fight Against Human Trafficking

In a significant development aimed at combating human trafficking, DeliverFund, a nonprofit specializing in intelligence operations, has partnered with Whooster, a leading provider of investigative data solutions. This collaboration marks a pivotal advancement in leveraging technology to fight against one of the world’s most pressing issues. Whooster, renowned for its cutting-edge data analysis intelligence SaaS Read More…

Montana Shooting Sports Group Endorses Knudsen

In anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls. MSSA has given Attorney General Austin Knudsen an A rating and the group endorsed him for the 2024 Election. Each Read More…

Bridger Aerospace Acquires FMS Aerospace

BELGRADE, Mont. – Bridger Aerospace Group Holdings, Inc. (“Bridger Aerospace”), a prominent provider of aerial firefighting services, has completed the acquisition of FMS Aerospace (“FMS”), based in Huntsville, Alabama. This strategic move marks Bridger’s expansion into comprehensive airframe modification and integration solutions for government and commercial clients. The transaction, valued at $20.6 million in equity, Read More…

Supreme Court Candidate Lynch Receives F Rating from Pro-gun Group

n anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls. MSSA has given Chief Justice candidate Jeremiah Lynch an F rating. The group endorsed Lynch’s opponent, Broadwater County Attorney Cory Read More…

Unbreakables Foundation Launches Initiative to Empower Disadvantaged Families

A newly established nonprofit organization, the Unbreakables Foundation, has announced its inaugural initiatives aimed at enhancing self-reliance and welfare among disadvantaged families in the United States and former conflict zones. Founded under the leadership of Braxton Norwood PhD, Unbreakables Foundation is dedicated to fostering independence and prosperity for vulnerable groups, with a particular emphasis on Read More…

Burgum appoints Greg Hoffman to serve as chief information officer

Governor Doug Burgum has appointed Greg Hoffman to serve as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the North Dakota Information Technology (NDIT) department, effective immediately. Hoffman, recognized for his extensive leadership within the agency, steps into the role following his tenure as interim CIO since June 1, succeeding Kuldip Mohanty. With a career spanning nearly Read More…

Democrat Complaint Against Governor Gianforte Dismissed

Montana’s Commissioner of Political Practices, Chris Gallus, decisively dismissed a complaint on Wednesday alleging misuse of taxpayer funds by Governor Greg Gianforte for his reelection efforts. The complaint, filed by Democratic candidates Ryan Busse and Raph Graybill, accused Gianforte of leveraging state resources through postcards sent to Montana taxpayers to bolster his campaign. In a Read More…

GOP Chair calls for Menahan recusal

REPUBLICAN PARTY CHAIRMAN CALLS ON JUDGE MENAHAN TO RECUSE HIMSELF In a strongly-worded statement, Montana Republican Party Chairman Don “K” Kaltschmidt called on Judge Mike Menahan  to recuse himself from the CI-128 case. Kaltschmidt accused the judge of bias, alleging that Menahan has consistently favored pro-abortion activists throughout his career. “Judge Menahan has sold out Read More…

Shooting Sports Group Endorses Gianforte

In anticipation of the upcoming November General Election, the Montana Shooting Sports Association (MSSA) has unveiled its highly anticipated 2024 candidate grades and endorsements, aimed at guiding pro-gun voters in their choices at the polls. MSSA has given Governor Greg Gianforte an A rating and the group endorsed him for the 2024 Election. Gianforte’s Democrat Read More…

Wyoming Transportation Commission to meet July 18

CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Wyoming Transportation Commission is scheduled to convene for its regular business meeting on Thursday, July 18, starting at 8:30 a.m. The meeting will be conducted exclusively via Zoom to address agenda items and conduct necessary votes. The primary agenda items include critical discussions related to transportation infrastructure and pertinent statewide initiatives. Read More…

FBI Identifies Shooter in Attempted Assassination of Former President Trump

The FBI has identified 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks as the suspect in the attempted assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump. The incident, which unfolded on Saturday, ended with the suspect being fatally shot by Secret Service agents just seconds after shots were fired towards the stage where Trump was addressing the crowd. According to Read More…

Montana State’s Blake Wiedenheft receives regional award for research excellence

BOZEMAN – Montana State University scientist Blake Wiedenheft was recognized last month with a prestigious award from agricultural deans and directors around the Western U.S. Wiedenheft received the Agricultural Research and Innovation Award from agInnovation West, an organization made up of the experiment station directors and agriculture deans at land-grant universities in the western half Read More…

Glacier Bancorp Declares Quarterly Dividend

KALISPELL, Mont. – Glacier Bancorp, Inc. (NYSE: GBCI) announced that its Board of Directors, has approved a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share. This declaration marks the Company’s 157th consecutive quarterly dividend payout and represents the 49th increase in its dividend history. The dividend is scheduled to be paid on July 18, 2024, to shareholders Read More…

Liberal Groups Bring Lawsuit Over Montana Ballot Initiatives

In a contentious legal battle unfolding in Montana, two organizations are taking the state’s Secretary of State to court over signature acceptance rules for proposed constitutional initiatives. These initiatives face uncertain prospects for appearing on the November ballot. The dispute centers on the inclusion of signatures from “inactive voters” — individuals who have not participated Read More…

NorthWestern Energy Seeks Rate Increases for Electric and Gas Customers in Montana

NorthWestern Energy has formally requested approval from Montana regulators to raise rates for its electric and natural gas customers, marking its first rate adjustment petition since its last review two years ago. NorthWestern Energy submitted its proposal to the Montana Public Service Commission (PSC) for an interim rate increase. The initial request outlines a $2 Read More…

Navigating Dual Citizenship: Exploring Opportunities Through Ancestry

For individuals looking to reconnect with their family heritage, explore new horizons abroad, or secure the flexibility of a second passport, citizenship by descent offers a compelling avenue. Across at least 50 countries worldwide, varying paths exist for individuals to acquire citizenship based on familial ties. However, the journey to dual citizenship is often labyrinthine, Read More…

MSU Extension Supports Local Government Reviews

Montana State University Extension’s Local Government Center is gearing up to assist numerous municipalities and counties in Montana as they embark on their decennial local government reviews. With 43 municipalities and 12 counties opting to participate, the center will play a crucial role in providing necessary support and training to study commissioners. According to Dan Read More…

Report: Nationwide political spending projected to hit $10.69B

(The Center Square) – As the 2024 election season gears up, a recently-released report predicts nationwide political spending will reach a record high $10.69 billion. The Political Projections Report predicts that California, Pennsylvania, and Arizona will have the highest levels of spending on advertising. The report was released on Monday by advertisement tracking company AdImpact. “This Read More…

Montana gets $40 million in federal funds for innovation research

(The Center Square) – Montana is receiving $40 million in federal funds due to legislation sponsored by U.S. Sen. Steve Daines. The “Endless Frontier Act” calls for increased investments in science and technology innovation as a way of strengthening the U.S. economy and national security to compete with China and other nations. “Montana continues to lead Read More…