Montana
$1.28 million benefits eastern Montana economy in 2023 thanks to EPEDC help
Under new leadership for part of 2023, the Eastern Plains Economic Development Corporation continues to show itself successful in its efforts to work with businesses and government entities to secure funding for projects in five counties across eastern Montana.
EPEDC Executive Director Terra Burman provided a presentation to the organization’s Board of Directors during its annual meeting at Yellowstone River Inn in Glendive at the end of January.
Burman made it a point to introduce herself alongside Teresea Olson, a community development specialist for the EPEDC, as they are both relatively new to their positions; less than one year.
Former executive director Beth Epley resigned from her position in June, leaving it to Burman who worked under her for about six months.
Olson joined the organization in December, succeeding Lizzy Robinson of Terry. There remains two open positions within the EPEDC, including a second community development specialist and the food and agriculture development specialist.
“Teresea brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and healthcare with her in her new role, so I think that she has such a commitment to our communities and I know that she’ll align seemlessly with (EPEDC),” Burman said.
The EPEDC was renewed as a Certified Regional Development Corporation through the Montana Department of Commerce for the next four years, a feat that furthers its mission to support businesses in the region and help them grow.
“It definitely underscores our commitment and recognition to keep delivering on our promises of economic development in our area,” Burman said.
Throughout 2023, the EPEDC had a hand in administering $1,289,000 in grant funding to businesses, government entities and individuals and worked with a total of 36 clients by the end of the year.
Some of the grants secured include three Value Added Producer Grants totaling $549,999. The VAPG grants cover expenses such as shipping, freezer space rental and more, “things that really eat up the budgets of someone who is trying to start a small business,” according to Burman.
“That total … was put back into our communities,” she said. “They worked really hard to get those grants and it’s not a small feat to be able to do that.”
The EPEDC also hosted various trainings and presentations in conjunction with the Food and Agriculture Development Center through the Great Northern Development Corporation, Small Business Development Center and childcare experts from across Montana, to name a few.
“We’ll continue those partnerships so that we can continue to see what we can do for our communities,” Burman said.
As Burman and Olson look ahead to 2024, they are excited to continue working on projects with area businesses and organizations, including Prairie County and its efforts to restore the Milwaukee Bridge; a strategic trail plan for the City of Glendive and the Badlands to Badlands Trail, to name a few.
“There were a lot of lessons learned in 2023 in terms of just navigating the systems, understanding what grants can be used for what, how to leverage dollars and I think that we’ll continue to grow in that way and work on our partnerships with everyone,” Burman said.
Montana
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lotto America results for April 13, 2026
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 13, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from April 13 drawing
38-43-59-63-64, Powerball: 15, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from April 13 drawing
01-18-19-35-50, Star Ball: 09, ASB: 03
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 13 drawing
14-20-25-29, Bonus: 04
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
- Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
- Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
- Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Montana
Montana Livestock Markets Hold Steady Amid Light Offerings (April 5-11, 2026)
Montana
Regents to take up president hire for University of Montana
Keila Szpaller
(Daily Montanan) The Montana Board of Regents is taking up the hire of Jeremiah Shinn for University of Montana president at a special meeting on April 14.
Shinn, interim president of Boise State University, visited the Missoula campus earlier this week after emerging as the sole finalist out of more than 70 applicants, according to earlier information from the Office of the Commissioner of Higher Education.
At the meeting, the Board of Regents will consider employment terms that include an annual salary of $467,197 and annual deferred compensation of $76,875, according to the agenda item. The terms also include a university-owned residence.
The start date would be July 1, 2026. Commissioner of Higher Education Clayton Christian has taken on interim president duties and will continue to do so until then.
The Board of Regents is considering the hire because former UM President Seth Bodnar announced his resignation in January and subsequently filed to run for U.S. Senate as an independent.
Christian undertook an expedited hire to preserve momentum at the Missoula flagship and said he had never seen a pool of candidates with so much presidential experience — many had served in the role in some capacity.
Christian said Shinn rose to the top because he was “a fit” with UM and has a deep background in student affairs.
In May 2025, the Board of Regents approved $455,802 salaries for presidents at both UM and Montana State University and Commissioner Christian, along with deferred compensation of $75,000, all effective July 1, 2025.
Galen Hollenbaugh, spokesperson for the Commissioner’s Office, said because Shinn’s start date is July 1, his salary reflects the 2.5% increase from the 2025 legislative session effective in 2026.
“President Tessman and Commissioner Christian will also receive the scheduled increase, and the salaries will be at the same level,” Hollenbaugh said in an email.
The UM president’s house near campus has been on the market for $2.895 million, but Hollenbaugh said it will be off the market, and Shinn will plan to occupy it.
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