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

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

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

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

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

We would wager that nearly every Montana family has struggled in some way with mental health, diabetes, or postpartum health care. The 2023 Legislature made unprecedented... — Updated 6/20/2023

Before the memory of the recent debt ceiling negotiations disappears and we confront the next new drama in Washington, let's pause a moment to acknowledge what just happened. You... — Updated 6/20/2023

The United States's health care system is a mess of complex regulations and layers of bureaucracy. It's also expensive. But Republicans in the Montana Legislature have made great... — Updated 6/8/2023

With the weather finally warming up here for spring time, I've been spending a lot of time out on my tractor finishing up planting.  Every year, I plant my fields with crops like... — Updated 5/30/2023

I applaud Representative Matt Rosendale for being one of the strongest advocates for fiscal responsibility in DC. As negotiations between the White House and Republicans have had... — Updated 5/16/2023

HELENA - The 68th Session of the Montana Legislature is one that every Montanan can be proud of. Voters sent a Republican supermajority to Helena and the first thing we did was retu... — Updated 5/9/2023

The 68th Legislative Session concluded on day 87, or May 2, leaving a few key bills yet to be considered. A total of 4,639 bill drafts were requested by Montana's elected officials... — Updated 5/9/2023