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Businesses press county on energy efficiency program

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Businesses press county on energy efficiency program



The Flathead County Commissioners reiterated final week that they like a “wait and see” strategy to implementing an vitality efficiency-focused financing program after receiving a letter from native companies urging them to rethink.

Among the many 27 companies signing the Kalispell Chamber of Commerce’s petition had been Utilized Supplies, Glacier Financial institution, Immanuel Lutheran Communities, Logan Well being, Flathead Electrical Cooperative and the Northwest Montana Affiliation of Realtors. The group launched the lobbying effort after commissioners acknowledged that they’d heard nothing from native companies about their need to have the idea, generally known as C-PACE, applied within the county.

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Signed into legislation by Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte in 2021, this system is designed to finance energy-saving capital investments on business properties.

By means of C-PACE property house owners are matched with personal lenders, who’re reimbursed utilizing funds saved by vitality effectivity enhancements over the lifetime of the upgrades.

County spokesperson Steven White stated that lobbying from the chamber hasn’t modified the commissioners’ minds, with White describing the letter-writing marketing campaign by enterprise representatives as “complaining.”

Based on White, if enterprise house owners contact Commissioner Brad Abell straight with particular capital funding proposals and their perceived advantages, he “could pay attention.”

Commissioners Pam Holmquist and Randy Brodehl nonetheless need to see this system rolled out on the municipal degree earlier than taking motion, White stated.

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Kalispell Metropolis Council has proven curiosity in shifting ahead and handed a decision of intent for implementing this system at its Dec. 19 assembly.

Companies outdoors metropolis limits, although, must depend on the county to approve this system to ensure that them to take part.

Phil Aitkin, proprietor of Hooper’s Backyard Heart, is fascinated about C-PACE eligible upgrades, however his enterprise is positioned east of Kalispell and within the county. Aitkin desires to put in a local weather management system within the backyard heart’s 40,000-square-foot retail greenhouse, permitting it to host occasions within the low season. His concepts embody potential winter farmers’ markets, an idea that might additionally profit native distributors. The area presently sits empty for a lot of the yr.

Aitkin stated the financing program would assist him make the adjustments.

“[The upgrades] can be rather a lot simpler to perform with this program in place,” he stated.

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Chamber President Lorraine Clarno additionally spoke publicly on the fee’s Dec. 20 assembly,

telling commissioners that she had gathered the supporting signatures in solely 48 hours. She stated in a latest interview that the Flathead enterprise neighborhood is receptive to C-PACE implementation.

On the assembly Clarno reminded the commissioners what number of enterprise house owners stand to profit from having C-PACE financing alternatives.

“Know that after we ship a letter, we’re representing 700 companies,” Clarno stated.

In a separate interview, Clarno stated she has obtained no response from the board since. She described their silence as “irritating.”

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“This places Flathead companies at an obstacle with different counties and states,” Clarno stated.

Based on Adam Gill, the state’s C-PACE program administrator, not less than eight Montana counties have already signed on, along with the 38 states nationwide with comparable packages.

Gill first approached the commissioners in the summertime and adopted up in October when he obtained phrase that there was native curiosity in C-PACE.

Clarno stated the commissioners had been conscious of this system as early as March.

Gill can perceive hesitance by the commissioners, however stated that he has solutions for any questions they might have about this system.

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When requested for the commissioner’s particular objections, White stated that they had been attempting to guard the county and taxpayers.

As a result of C-PACE is structured with personal funds, no public legal responsibility or taxes are created, a degree that Gill stresses within the data classes he tailors for public officers. Gill estimated that it takes between one and three hours yearly to arrange a C-PACE district, and there’s no different price to native governments.

Based on White, commissioners haven’t reached out to Gill for any extra data.

Gill stated he’s all the time able to work with the county ought to the commissioners change their minds.

Clarno thinks commissioners could pay a political value in the event that they proceed to disregard enterprise pursuits.

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“I feel they’re selecting to not pay attention, and if that continues they might get on the improper aspect of the enterprise neighborhood,” Clarno stated.

Reporter Adrian Knowler might be reached at 758-4407 or aknowler@dailyinterlake.com.



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Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 25, 2024

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 25, 2024, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

15-26-27-30-35, Powerball: 03, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-10-35-42-45, Lucky Ball: 02

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

04-05-40-42-52, Star Ball: 10, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

09-18-19-25, Bonus: 15

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

08-29-30-47-57, Powerball: 01

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Dec. 25 drawing

01-05-10-39-41

Check Montana Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

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When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 9:00 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
  • Lotto America: 9:00 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: 8:00 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

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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.



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Montana authors talk about state's 'political hell-raiser,' archaeology • Daily Montanan

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Montana authors talk about state's 'political hell-raiser,' archaeology • Daily Montanan


Historian and author Marc Johnson gives a book talk next month about Burton K. Wheeler, “one of the most powerful politicians Montana ever produced,” as part of the Montana Historical Society’s lecture series.

Johnson will speak from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 8, at Touchmark, 915 Saddle Dr. in Helena. He will talk about his book, “Political Hell-Raiser: The Life and Times of Senator Burton K. Wheeler of Montana.”

“(Wheeler) came of political age amid antiwar and labor unrest in Butte, Montana, during World War I, battling Montana’s powerful economic interests and championing farmers and miners as a crusading United States attorney,” said the announcement from the Montana Historical Society. “Wheeler went on to become one of the most influential, and controversial, members of the United States Senate during three of the most eventful decades in American history.”

Also in January, author and University of Montana archaeology professor Douglas MacDonald will discuss his “Land of Beginnings: The Archaeology of Montana’s First Peoples.”

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The book talk takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Lewis & Clark Library, 120 S. Last Chance Gulch in Helena.

“While researchers have learned a great deal about the origins of the first people to call this region home, questions remain about which route or routes they took and when they made this journey,” said the Montana Historical Society about the book talk.

The organization also said the Original Governor’s Mansion will be open for free guided tours at noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, and on Saturday, Dec. 28.

“The Queen Anne-Style mansion will be decorated for the holiday season through the weekend with surprises for visitors of all ages,” said the announcement.

For more information, contact Darby Bramble at [email protected].

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Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana

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Montana Ag Network: Sleigh ride season kicks off in Montana


On a frosty morning in late December, Marce Hoffman backs two huge draft horses out of a barn at the historic 320 Ranch south of Big Sky.

“Step up, step up,” Hoffman instructs the horses as he maneuvers them toward a waiting sled. It’s time to take the animals out for a turn on a trail they’ll know well by the end of the winter season. They’ll tread the path up to seven days a week during the holidays and five days a week after that. The animals strain in their harnesses, eager to pull and run.

“They’re fresh. They won’t be fresh come New Year’s, though; they’ll be all muscled up, ready to go,” said Hoffman.

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The 320 has a long history. It was homesteaded as two separate ranches more than 125 years ago.

“1912 they combined them to form 320 acres That’s how the ranch became known as the 320,” explained Hoffman as he practiced the history lesson he gives while narrating the ride through the high, narrow valley the ranch is nestled in, just outside the boundary of Yellowstone National Park.

In 1936, Bozeman doctor Carolyn McGill purchased the ranch.

Hoffman said, “She fell in love with this area on different hunting trips, trips down into the Yellowstone Park.”

You might recognize McGill’s name from somewhere else.

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“Caroline started the Museum of the Rockies in Bozeman; was actually called the McGill Museum when it first opened up,” said Hoffman.

Current owner Dave Bass purchased the ranch in 1985.

Hoffman explained that’s when the ranch really began to grow into a tourist Mecca. He said, “He (Bass) bought it up from a 20 gust capacity over 200 that we have today.” He pointed to cabins that drifted by, framed by the mountains and the Gallatin River. It’s the view guests get as they take a one-hour trail ride in the sleighs. Hoffman ticked off the sights: “You get to see Cinnamon Mountain, Burnt Top Mountain. We’ll be able to see the Spanish Peaks when we go along the Gallatin here. Looking back you’ve got a view of Monument.”

marce hoffman.jpg

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Marce Hoffman

As he drives onto a flat, straight stretch of the trail, the horses get frisky. “These guys are gonna air out right here,” he cautioned, just as the horses break into a run. It demonstrated the challenge of managing big Percheron horses around guests.

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“Our number one priority is keeping everybody safe. So we always have to be constantly looking at the equipment. As far as the people, probably the hardest part is herding them up and getting them on the sleighs,” Hoffman laughed as he allowed that it is probably harder to manage the passengers than the animals.

Sitting next to him, Head Wrangler Logan McDaniel said she enjoyed working at the ranch.

Logan McDaniel.jpg

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Logan McDaniel

“I like, of course, to drive and work with the horses but also meeting people from all around the world. You get to meet people from all different parts of life, all kind of different places,” she said. “They’re here for vacation. You get to kind of realize a little bit of people’s life story. It’s pretty cool just to meet different people.”

And the horses?

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Hoffman said, “We’re looking for good disposition, you know. We’re not looking for heavy pullers we’re just looking for horses that are pretty docile and easy-going horses. They’re not gonna win any pulling competitions here.”

But these workhorses are no slouches.

“We’ll pull 18 people no problem and these guys are big horses,” said Hoffman.

He said that translates to about 18 hands and nearly 2,000 pounds each. As the horses cool down after their workout, Hoffman wiped them down and explained how these animals cope with the harsh winters at the ranch.

“You know those horses are on hay, you know free choice grass hay and water. They do pretty well. We’ve got a lean-to for them to get out of the wind. But for the most part, you know, they’re pretty hearty animals,” he said.

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320 coach horses.jpg

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By late afternoon, as dusk descends on the ranch, guests begin to wander toward a pair of the big sleighs. They board the blanket covered seats for a ride out to the other end of the valley where a wood-floored canvass tent awaits. It’s heated and features a bar serving snacks, hot cocoa, cider, and more. A fire crackles in a pit surrounded by seats outside. After a bit of rest, the passengers will climb back into the sleds for a ride back to the ranch restaurant.

Taking in the view around them, Hoffman and McDaniel reflected on their jobs. Hoffman said, “There’s a lot of people that never seen a horse or been around horses, so it’s a good opportunity to you know, to introduce them to the horses.”

McDaniel added, “It’s cool watching people fall in love with the horses. That’s why I kind of do this. It’s to see people fall in love with horses like I do.”





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