Latest News from Big Sky Times

Average VA Purchase Loan amount in Montana increases from Q1 to Q2

By Big Sky Times | Sep 22, 2024

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for Montana in the second quarter of fiscal year 2024 was $408,451, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Montana receives $18.5 million in VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans during Q2

By Big Sky Times | Sep 19, 2024

The VA issued 49 Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loans in Montana during the second quarter of fiscal year 2024, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Gianforte announces $4M investment for healthcare education programs

By Big Sky Times | Sep 19, 2024

Governor Gianforte Announces $4 Million Investment to Increase the Number of Health Care Providers in Montana

Montana secures $900K from multi-state unclaimed property settlement

By Big Sky Times | Sep 18, 2024

HELENA – Attorney General Austin Knudsen announced today that Montana will receive over $900,000 in a multi-state settlement, ending the outstanding damages phase of an unclaimed property dispute with Delaware.

MHP operation seizes drugs and arrests fugitives in Butte

By Big Sky Times | Sep 18, 2024

Montana Highway Patrol troopers in Butte recently conducted an interdiction operation from September 9 to 12, targeting illicit drugs, firearms used in drug trafficking crimes, and fugitives. These operations are periodically conducted across the state to address the rising drug and crime rates in Montana.

DPHHS relocates child support and payment processing offices in Helena

By Big Sky Times | Sep 17, 2024

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) announced today that, effective Tuesday, September 17, two Helena state offices that provide child support and process client payments for various programs will be at their new office location of 2550 Prospect Avenue, the former Montana Highway Patrol building.

AARP poll shows Sheehy leading over Tester in Montana Senate race

By Big Sky Times | Sep 16, 2024

AARP Montana’s 2024 election survey indicates that older voters are backing Tim Sheehy (R) over Sen. John Tester (D) by eight percentage points on the full ballot, according to a September 5 AARP news release.

VA home loan amount averages $396,883 in Montana for Q2

By Big Sky Times | Sep 16, 2024

The average VA home loan amount in Montana during the second quarter of the fiscal year 2024 was $396,883, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Montana economy hinges on Congressional decision about small business tax deduction

By Big Sky Times | Sep 16, 2024

Montana's economy could experience significant impacts based on Congress's decision regarding the 20% Small Business Deduction in the federal tax code.

Congress decision on small business tax deduction could impact Montana's economy

By Big Sky Times | Sep 16, 2024

Depending on whether Congress decides to let the 20% Small Business Deduction in the federal tax code expire or make it permanent, Montana's economy could experience significant changes, according to two reports released last week.

Montana sees less individual income tax revenue in Q1

By Big Sky Times | Sep 13, 2024

The first quarter brought in $531 million in individual income tax revenue for Montana, a 7.3% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

VA provides 10.3% fewer home purchase loans in Montana in Q2

By Big Sky Times | Sep 13, 2024

There were 243 VA home purchases in Montana in the second quarter of the VA's fiscal year 2024, totaling $99.3 million in loans, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Property tax revenue down 50.6% from previous quarter in Montana

By Big Sky Times | Sep 13, 2024

The first quarter brought in $79 million in property tax revenue for Montana, a 50.6% decrease from the fourth quarter of 2023, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's Quarterly Summary of State and Local Taxes.

Montana Highway Patrol commissions three new troopers in Helena ceremony

By Big Sky Times | Sep 13, 2024

The Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) commissioned three new troopers at a graduation ceremony in Helena on Friday. Attorney General Austin Knudsen and MHP Colonel Kurt Sager addressed the new troopers before their badge pinning and taking the oath of office.

Governor's Conference on Aging set for October in Billings

By Big Sky Times | Sep 12, 2024

The 55th annual Governor's Conference on Aging is scheduled to take place in Billings from October 1 to 3 at the Billings Hotel and Convention Center. Officials from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) state that this year's conference aims to engage with various aspects of aging in Montana. The agenda includes a wide range of breakout sessions and panel discussions, providing valuable information on topics such as healthier aging, protection against scams, and navigating dementia. Other subjects include respite care, estate planning, Social Security...