Montana
Gianforte touts Montana economy, legislative priorities in State of the State address
HELENA — On Wednesday evening, Gov. Greg Gianforte mentioned Montana made progress in his first two years as governor, however there’s much more work to be accomplished.
The Republican delivered his second State of the State handle earlier than a joint session of the Montana Home and Senate.
Gianforte’s first handle, in 2021, got here in a a lot totally different circumstance: a couple of yr into the COVID-19 pandemic. It centered on a “Comeback Plan” for the state. Gianforte mentioned there’s been success in that agenda.
“Buddies, the state of our state is robust, and it’s a lot stronger than it was two years in the past,” he mentioned.
2023 State of the State Tackle
Gianforte talked a couple of aim of “unleashing the engine” of financial progress and enterprise improvement. He touted sturdy financial indicators for the state: excessive progress in comparison with different states, report numbers of latest companies and the addition of 31,000 jobs in two years. He mentioned his administration is striving to enhance the alternatives for individuals to achieve this state.
“For too lengthy, Montana hasn’t been residing as much as our full excellent potential,” he mentioned. “Our greatest exports have been beef, grain – and tragically, our children and grandkids.”
Gianforte additionally made appeals to lawmakers for what he desires to see occur this legislative session. He once more highlighted one among his high priorities: the “Pink Tape Reduction” initiative, with greater than 100 payments geared toward simplifying state laws. He referred to as the state’s regulatory insurance policies a “moist blanket” on companies.
“To our legislative companions, thanks for serving to extra Montanans prosper by eradicating pointless, burdensome laws,” he mentioned.
He talked about his plan for a billion {dollars} in tax aid. That features payments presently making their means by means of the Legislature that may decrease the highest revenue tax fee, increase the earned revenue tax credit score, present property tax rebates, exempt extra companies from the enterprise gear tax and set up tax credit for households with younger kids and adoptions.
Gianforte additionally referred to as on lawmakers to assist investing $200 million in water and sewer infrastructure and one other $100 million for roads and bridges. He mentioned infrastructure tasks like these can be key to addressing the demand for extra housing in Montana.
“Hardworking Montanans ought to be capable to stay within the communities the place they work, and grandparents ought to be capable to stay nearer to their children and grandkids,” he mentioned.
Gianforte additionally inspired lawmakers to cross a slate of payments encouraging innovation in schooling, and he renewed his name for investing $200 million into the Montana State Jail and hundreds of thousands extra into the state behavioral well being system, together with the Montana State Hospital.
Following Gianforte’s handle, Senate Minority Whip Sen. Shannon O’Brien, D-Missoula, delivered the Democratic response to the speech. She pointed to what she and her occasion imagine are flaws in Gianforte’s plan to deal with points like housing, schooling, and tax aid. Democrats have argued his proposals don’t go far sufficient to fulfill the size of what’s wanted.
“I might wish to share with you an image of what it is actually wish to be in Montana – and never the multimillionaires who come right here to purchase a fourth or fifth home, however these hardworking Montanan households who drive our state ahead and a few of our older neighbors. Truthfully, and no offense to him, the Governor is out of contact,” mentioned O’Brien. “The Governor failed to offer any actual options to the housing disaster. He despatched again $100 million of our federal monies that might have considerably eased the ache of the housing disaster. As an alternative, he presents a purple tape initiative, which fairly frankly does nothing for Montana households and nothing to deal with the housing scarcity.”
Montana
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 25, 2024
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.”
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].
Montana
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.
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.
“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.”
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.
“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.
“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?
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.
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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