Blackfoot Valley Dispatch - The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980

In this month's off-year general election, there's one thing Idaho and Washington had in common - voter turnout was dismal. But there's more to the story: Idaho holds its elections... — Updated 11/29/2023

The most important global issue of the day is that of the middle east conflict. The barbaric evil of Hamas was in full display October 7th. The reports are undeniable; "The IDF... — Updated 11/15/2023

By Rep. Bob Keenan, DPHHS Director Charlie Brereton, Sen. John Esp   No Montana community is untouched by the mental health crisis. Suicide. Addiction. Loneliness. The struggle to... — Updated 11/7/2023

Recently opinion pieces and information sent to legislators regarding the counties decision to levy 77.9 mills instead of the State directed 95 mills has been circulating in both... — Updated 11/7/2023

Wednesday, November 01, 2023 It would be a stretch to say that the US government came to a standstill after GOP members of the House unseated Kevin McCarthy as Speaker at the start... — Updated 11/6/2023

Hunting season has arrived! As hunters flock to the hills in pursuit of Montana's treasured big game species, we want to take a moment to acknowledge the good work that was done in... — Updated 10/25/2023

The Montana Republicans claim that they support lower taxes and they do – selectively. They support lower taxes on millionaires and big corporations. Not you. The evidence from... — Updated 10/18/2023

There are many things that children can't legally do in Montana. They can't smoke a cigar, drink alcohol, die fighting for their country in a foreign war, vote or engage in a... — Updated 10/10/2023

Is the U.S. Supreme Court posed to slam the door shut on efforts by some to impose wealth taxes across the country? We may soon find out. Multiple states, Idaho and Montana... — Updated 10/10/2023

The recent spate of headlines about grizzly bear attacks and human-bear conflicts highlights the need for the federal government to return management of grizzlies to the State of... — Updated 10/2/2023

October 1st is the deadline to claim your $675 property tax rebate for this year. Tens of thousands of Montana property owners have already claimed theirs. If you're a Montana... — Updated 9/19/2023

It's no secret that I don't look like most of my colleagues in Washington DC. They don't run a farm when they're back home, you won't find them swapping out duck foot shovels or... — Updated 9/19/2023

We scored a big win for Montanans' privacy and against invasive surveillance technology during this year's legislative session. My Senate Bill 397 severely restricts government's... — Updated 9/11/2023

The state legislature passed $384 million in property tax rebates, the first half of which is currently available to Montanans. The window to claim your rebate-up to $675 on your pr... — Updated 8/22/2023

Anyone driving Montana's highways knows the risk of colliding with deer and other wildlife. Hardly a mile goes by without the gruesome reminders of hit animals, broken bumpers, or... — Updated 8/22/2023

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank my neighbors in Senate District 40, in both Lewis and Clark and Powell Counties, for their participation in the recently held Montana... — Updated 8/9/2023

As I meet with Montanans in every corner of our state, I hear the same concern often –taxes are too high. And they're right. Taxes are too high and need to be reined in. Two... — Updated 7/27/2023

There's a reason it comes first. Article One, Section One of the U.S. Constitution says, "all legislative powers shall be vested in a Congress of the United States." State... — Updated 7/19/2023

As a proud defender and lover of public land, I have cast deciding votes for Montanans to hike, fish, and hunt some of the largest expansions of public land in decades-while... — Updated 7/19/2023

There are so many things I worry about these days. Are we going to default on our debts? Can we adapt to the accumulating impact of climate change? How are we going to handle the da... — Updated 7/10/2023

Less government and lower taxes!!  You hear that political slogan from Republican candidates early and often while they are campaigning.  Then comes political reality.  How did... — Updated 7/10/2023

Nearly all working-age Montanans, more than half the state's total population, are getting some welcome news this month: the state is sending them money. Let's be clear. The money... — Updated 7/10/2023

Americans will be celebrating the 247th anniversary of our Declaration of Independence on July 4. While this is undoubtedly the biggest birthday party we will participate in this... — Updated 6/28/2023

Q: My husband and I are retiring and he plans to play golf and rest. I want to do something worthwhile. Is it wrong to spend retirement years enjoying all the things we couldn't do... — Updated 6/20/2023