Montana

Great Falls’ Reed Harris excited to play new position, ‘represent Montana’ at Boston College

Published

2 years ago

April 17, 2022

BOZEMAN — Reed Harris and the Nice Falls soccer crew will encounter a superb drawback within the fall.

Harris is an all-state quarterback, though he earned his all-state standing as an athlete. The junior hasn’t overwhelmed Class AA together with his passing capability, however together with his dynamic dual-threat capability and robust defensive abilities at security. His dimension (6-foot-5, 210 kilos) and velocity (4.5-second 40-yard sprint) have been tantalizing for school recruiters; primarily at positions apart from QB.

Harris introduced his dedication to Boston School on Thursday. The three-star recruit plans to play vast receiver for the Eagles, he advised 406mtsports.com on Friday. Not solely has he by no means performed that place at Nice Falls, he doesn’t plan to play it throughout his senior season.

Harris would possibly really feel some stress to line up at receiver within the fall, as would possibly his coaches. However each he and Nice Falls head coach Coda Tchida say they’re snug with him remaining at QB. Harris can have time to work on his wideout abilities, and his expertise would possibly make up for misplaced time.

Proper now, Harris is much less centered on his place than he’s on the prospect to play within the Atlantic Coast Convention, top-of-the-line within the Soccer Bowl Subdivision.

“It is all the time been a dream to play within the FBS, going in opposition to all of the competitors from states like Texas or California,” Harris stated. “It will be actually cool to symbolize Montana once I go on the market and begin competing in opposition to all these different guys.”

Nice Falls’ Reed Harris seems to be to cross in opposition to Billings Senior at Wendy’s Discipline at Daylis Stadium in Billings on Sept. 18, 2020.

MIKE CLARK, Billings Gazette

Some colleges expressed curiosity in Harris as a decent finish, he stated. His dimension matches the profile of a future school tight finish, however he’s virtually too quick for that place — his greatest 40 time has been clocked at 4.48 seconds, he stated, and his private greatest 100-meter sprint time is 11.14 seconds. There aren’t many receivers at any stage together with his body and velocity.

Harris, in fact, isn’t locked into receiver for the remainder of his profession, as he has seen shut up. Troy Andersen thrived at quarterback, operating again, outdoors linebacker and — most just lately — inside linebacker throughout his legendary profession at Montana State. Former Nice Falls soccer coach Mark Samson believed outdoors linebacker would’ve been a superb match for Harris on the school stage.

“If the teaching workers wants me to play tight finish or type of be a normal tight finish in a ramification set, I really feel like that’d be one thing I would be focused on doing,” Harris stated. “If one place would not work out, you possibly can all the time strive one other one and see how that goes.”

For now, BC desires Harris as a receiver, and the Eagles’ curiosity in him was the primary motive he dedicated

“They have been on the lookout for a tall receiver sort, they usually stated that I match what they wanted completely,” Harris stated. “They made me really feel like I might have had an ideal dwelling there.”

Harris additionally obtained scholarship gives from fellow Energy 5 packages Oregon State and Iowa State. Different FBS gives got here from Central Michigan, Colorado State, San Diego State and Utah State. MSU was certainly one of a number of Soccer Championship Subdivision colleges to increase gives, together with Harvard and Huge Sky packages Montana, Idaho and Idaho State. Montana Tech of the NAIA additionally supplied Harris, who’s the top-ranked recruit in Montana and the Forty eighth-ranked athlete within the nation for the Class of 2023, in line with 247 Sports activities.

Harris thought-about UM and MSU, and the Bobcats had been practically his best choice as a result of he “actually appreciated their teaching workers,” he stated, particularly head coach Brent Vigen. Iowa State was additionally close to the highest of his listing.

BC grew to become the entrance runner after he took an unofficial go to to Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, two weekends in the past.

Billings West vs. Great Falls — Advertisement

Billings West’s Tyler Blaquire pressures Nice Falls’ Reed Harris throughout their Class AA soccer recreation at Wendy’s Discipline at Daylis Stadium in Billings on Friday, Oct. 9, 2020.

MIKE CLARK, Billings Gazette

“I obtained to satisfy all of the coaches, they usually had been all nice,” Harris stated. “I felt like I used to be forming a very good relationship with them. I additionally obtained to see certainly one of their spring practices and the spring recreation, and that was enjoyable to see how issues operated on the ACC stage.

“They actually made me really feel like I used to be a high precedence to them. After I obtained again, I talked with my mother and I advised her that I assumed I used to be prepared for it.”

The two,400-plus miles between BC and Nice Falls had been “the one dangerous factor” about it, he stated, however that grew to become a minor concern. His sister, Alison, attends Macalester School in Minnesota and advised him that she obtained used to the space after a few month (Harris moved from Minnesota to Montana when he was 1).

Taking part in in a distinct state additionally appeals to Harris. Montana hasn’t despatched many athletes to FBS packages since Ryan Leaf, a Nice Falls CMR and Washington State graduate who was the No. 2 total decide within the 1998 NFL Draft.

“Guys ask me the place I am from, I say I am from Montana, they usually’re type of skeptical as a result of they do not even assume that Montana is definitely an actual place,” Harris stated. “Having the ability to symbolize the state like Troy Andersen and Ryan Leaf did, it is actually a cool alternative.”

Harris gained’t be capable of signal with BC till December, however the dedication will seemingly ease some stress. He’ll attempt to enhance on a 2021 season by which he accomplished 114 of 202 passes (56%) for 1,544 yards, 12 touchdowns and 9 interceptions, per MaxPreps. He additionally rushed 122 occasions for 537 yards (4.4 yards per carry) and 5 TDs and made 22 tackles. He hasn’t caught a cross in his highschool profession.

Whereas Harris will stay a QB, Tchida will attempt to get him some receiver reps throughout video games. The previous receivers coach additionally plans to work with Harris outdoors of video games and practices. He’s assured Harris will turn into a superb wideout regardless.

“He’s so athletic, and he’s greater than prepared to place within the time,” Tchida stated. “Nice Falls Excessive hasn’t had an athlete of his caliber shortly.”

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Montana

Public charter schools in Montana set to open, related legislative tweaks possible • Daily Montanan

Published

3 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

Public charter schools in Montana set to open, related legislative tweaks possible • Daily Montanan

The Montana Legislature may consider “minor” changes to statutes related to public charter schools during its 2025 session following a recent court order, said a legislator and chairperson of an education committee.

But 18 schools are slated to open this year, according to the Office of Public Instruction.

Rep. Dave Bedey, R-Hamilton, said Thursday he believes the bill that opened the door for more charters is clear as written.

“At the end of the day, I’m just gratified that schools across the state are going to be able to put these innovative programs into place without delay,” Bedey said.

In the 2023 session, the legislature approved House Bill 549, which eased the way for more charter schools through the public school system. However, a lawsuit filed this spring alleged the Office of Public Instruction was throwing up roadblocks.

Last month, a Lewis and Clark District Court judge disagreed with the Office of Public Instruction’s interpretation that certain prerequisites needed to be met to get the charter schools off the ground, such as a parental petition and approval from county commissioners.

The legal dispute took place as students made plans to attend the new schools, but educators alleged the argument over how to open them meant likely delays.

Last week, the court signed off on an agreement between the plaintiffs, the Montana Quality Education Coalition, and defendants, Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and the Office of Public Instruction, that resolves some of the fight.

In the stipulation, the Montana Quality Education Coalition agreed Arntzen and the OPI had implemented processes that allow the schools to start operating by July 1, 2024, and that they were in compliance with the court’s order for a preliminary injunction last month.

Court order

“IT IS HEREBY ORDERED THAT this Court’s Preliminary Injunction Order, dated April 17, 2024, remains in effect pending an order terminating this Court’s preliminary injunction or until the Montana Legislature has the opportunity during the 2025 session to amend relevant statutory authority regarding the responsibilities of the Board of Public Education, the Office of Public Instruction, and the Superintendent of Public Instruction relative to the authorization of and opening of public charter schools in Montana. The remaining claims for declaratory and permanent injunctive relief are dismissed with prejudice and with each party bearing responsibility for their own attorney’s fees and costs.” — Order from Lewis and Clark District Court

The Montana Quality Education Coalition describes itself as made up of more than 100 school districts and five education organizations and one of the largest education advocacy organizations in Montana.

The agreement the judge approved acknowledges the preliminary injunction from April 17 remains in effect unless the court terminates it or the legislature amends relevant statutes. It also dismisses outstanding claims.

In an email this week, the Office of Public Instruction notes that as of May 13, it had opened 15 of 18 schools enrolling students this year.

“The OPI is working with one school to correct some of the information that was submitted and is waiting on applications from two schools,” the agency said in an email. “One of the approved public charter schools will not open until the fall of 2025.”

Rep. Bedey, chairperson of the interim budget committee on education, said Thursday he doesn’t believe amendments are needed, although small changes are possible.

Rather, he said a plain reading of HB 549 clearly indicates the approval process for schools, the authority of the Board of Public Education, and the duty of the Office of Public Instruction.

All the same, Bedey said the legislature has an opportunity to make “some minor changes” to make the intentions of the bill “crystal clear and remove any ambiguity” given some people had a “contrary reading” of it.

At a committee meeting in March, legislators voted 6-2 to send a letter to Arntzen telling her she was failing students and not meeting her Constitutional duties related to HB 549 and other educational programs legislators had supported.

The Montana Quality Education Coalition filed the lawsuit later the same month.

“It’s regrettable that this issue had to go to the courts for resolution because the meaning of the law was clear,” Bedey said. “It’s regrettable that we were unable to convince the superintendent of that when her lawyer appeared before us in a committee meeting in March.”

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Montana

A small plane crashes in Montana, killing the pilot and a passenger

Published

10 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

A small plane crashes in Montana, killing the pilot and a passenger

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — A single-engine airplane crashed in southeastern Montana, killing the pilot and the passenger, the Federal Aviation Administration reported.

The Piper PA-18 crashed near Tillitt Field Airport east of the town of Forsyth at about 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, the FAA said. The National Transportation Safety Board will investigate the cause of the crash.

Rosebud County Sheriff Allen Fulton said they have identified the victims but weren’t releasing their names yet. The crash did not start a fire, he said.

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Montana

Alan Olson: Biden EV mandates not practical for Montana

Published

17 hours ago

May 16, 2024

Press Room

ALAN OLSON

Life in Montana takes energy.

Companies and individuals across the state have worked tirelessly over the years to ensure Montanans have the power to go about their lives in the way they want. It is part of what makes Montana the Last Best Place.

However, the Biden-Harris administration’s new EPA mandate threatens that freedom. Under the EPA’s final rule, two-thirds of vehicles sold by U.S. automakers need to be battery-powered or plug-in hybrid by 2032. Fundamentally — Montanans, and the rest of the United States, will eventually be forced to purchase an electric vehicle (EV) for their family car — no matter how expensive it is.

If Montana is to preserve a huge part of its residents’ way of life and prevent the stretching of some communities’ shallow pockets, we need all our policymakers in DC to step up to the plate and oppose this electric vehicle mandate.

As Executive Director of the Montana Petroleum Association, I have seen firsthand how hard our member companies work to provide reliable energy sources to the people of Montana. If the EPA’s mandate takes root, our member companies’ workers will suffer, as oil and gas jobs become fewer and further between.

It will also drastically increase consumer costs as a result of the mandated shifts to expensive and inefficient EV’s, which at this point simply do not support the hauling and long-distance needs of members of the oil and gas industry, or everyday Montana consumers.

Our member companies are actively addressing sustainability and climate issues, recognizing the importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and operating with the aim of providing Montanans with critical resources while respecting the importance of our environment — but the bottom line is that Montanans — and Americans — still rely heavily on gas- and diesel-powered vehicles, and shouldn’t be expected to scrimp in other essential areas, like groceries, just to eventually be able to afford an EV.

Kelley Blue Book reports that according to data from Cox Automotive, “the average transaction price for electric cars was $53,469 in July 2023, vs. gas-powered vehicles at $48,334.” The exponentially higher cost of an EV in addition to Montana’s rising cost of living is not insignificant. Car insurance for EVs is also costlier than gas powered vehicles, “on average, insurance for an electric car is $44 per month more expensive.” How can the government implement policies that impact Americans’ job availability and then double down by providing essentially one, expensive option for a cornerstone of their daily lives?

In addition to the financial strain this forced electric transition will have on consumers, it also heightens serious, existing concerns for Montana’s electric grid. Electrification of Montana vehicles will cause an inevitable increase in demand on our state’s limited grid capacity.

I commend Sen. Steve Daines’ and Attorney General Knudsen’s efforts to oppose this mandate, but unfortunately, it may not be enough.

We need Sen. Tester and all of our office holders to stand against this mandate from Washington, D.C. because failing to do so puts Montana consumers, and our energy security, in jeopardy.

Alan Olson is the Executive Director of the Montana Petroleum Association

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