Latest News from Big Sky Times

Average VA home loan amount in Montana increase from 2021 to 2022

By Big Sky Times | Dec 31, 2023

The average VA loan amount for Montana in the fiscal year 2022 was $353,303, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Montana ranks 17th in average VA home loan amount in 2022

By Big Sky Times | Dec 31, 2023

With $353,303 in issued loans, Montana ranked 17th for the average amount of a VA home loan in 2022, according to figures provided by the Veteran Affairs Home Loans Index.

Average VA home loan amount in Montana increases in Q3 2023

By Big Sky Times | Dec 31, 2023

The average VA home loan amount in Montana during the third quarter of the fiscal year 2023 was $424,471, a 12% increase over the previous quarter, according to the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Individual income tax puts $481 million into Montana's revenue in Q3, 2023

By Big Sky Times | Dec 31, 2023

Individual income taxes in Montana reached $481 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Montana raises minimum wage to $10.30 per hour effective January 2024

By Big Sky Times | Dec 29, 2023

Montana is set to implement a new minimum wage rate of $10.30 per hour starting January 1, 2024.

Census Bureau: 78.4% of people in Montana were old enough to vote in 2021

By Big Sky Times | Dec 27, 2023

Of the 1,077,978 citizens living in Montana in 2021, 78.4% were old enough to vote, equating to 845,163 individuals, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained on Oct. 26.

Announcing 2023 Mignon Waterman Award Recipient

By Big Sky Times | Dec 5, 2023

Regina Ertz, Ph.D., has been named the recipient of the 2023 Mignon Waterman Award for her exceptional leadership as the Program Director of the Fort Belknap Tribal Health Behavioral Health Program. Dr. Ertz's innovative efforts to provide widespread access to mental health services within the Fort Belknap Indian Community have been recognized with this prestigious award.Expressing her gratitude for the honor, Dr. Regina Ertz stated, "This has been an incredible journey joining with the Fort Belknap Indian Community, with the goal to bring readily available and consistent...

Office holiday parties: Guidelines for a smooth celebration

By Big Sky Times | Nov 30, 2023

As the holiday season approaches, many workplaces are preparing for their annual office holiday parties.

Census Bureau: 4.5% of people in Montana identified as multiracial in 2021

By Big Sky Times | Nov 24, 2023

Of the 1,077,978 citizens living in Montana in 2021, 95.5% said they were only one race, while 4.5% said they were two or more races, according to U.S. Census Bureau data obtained in June.

VA Purchase Loans in Montana average $428,210 for Q3 2023

By Big Sky Times | Nov 15, 2023

The average VA Purchase Loan amount for Montana in the third quarter of fiscal year 2023 was $428,210, according to figures provided by the Veterans Affairs Home Loans Index.

Small businesses face ongoing challenges despite policy support

By Big Sky Times | Nov 14, 2023

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has released its 50th anniversary edition of the Small Business Economic Trends (SBET) report.

Montana legislators' voting records released by NFIB

By Big Sky Times | Nov 13, 2023

Montana's leading small business association has published the legislative voting records for the state's 150 senators and state representatives.

Announcing 2023 Call for Proposals Awardees

By Big Sky Times | Nov 10, 2023

The Montana Healthcare Foundation has announced the recipients of their 2023 Call for Proposals grants. According to the foundation, these projects showcase innovative ideas aimed at improving health and well-being in Montana.The Butte SPIRIT Center is set to scale up staffing for a women's SUD recovery home with a grant of $100,000 over 24 months. This project will establish the first licensed recovery home for women with substance use disorders in the Butte area, providing much-needed services for this demographic.Gallatin County will receive $50,000 for a 12-month...

Gianforte" 'There’s no more important role in life than being a parent'

By Big Sky Times | Oct 28, 2023

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has announced a $7.5 million funding initiative aimed at improving maternal health in the state. The investment, in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Montana Healthcare Foundation (MHF), will focus on enhancing behavioral health and substance use disorder services for pregnant and postpartum women. (Source)

Gianforte: 'Montana has shared a strong bond with Taiwan, forged through educational exchanges, the trade of our high quality commodities, and our shared values of freedom and free enterprise'

By Big Sky Times | Oct 28, 2023

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte is set to lead a trade mission to Taiwan, aiming to strengthen the already strong relationship between the two regions. The trade mission, scheduled to take place from October 28 to November 3, 2023, will include representatives from various sectors in Montana, such as agriculture, manufacturing, photonics, and biosciences.

Montana Governor: 'I look forward to the innovative ideas and continued leadership of our task force members'

By Big Sky Times | Oct 22, 2023

In line with the information provided in an official press release, Governor Greg Gianforte recently reconvened Montana's Housing Task Force in Helena. The move follows what has been a momentous legislative period focused on pro-housing reforms in the state, according to the press release from Oct. 17, 2023. The governor commended the bipartisan task force for its groundbreaking proposals aimed at boosting the availability of affordable housing in Montana. He also urged the group to continue its work in presenting further recommendations.

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Kerry White on 5.8 million-acre Montana conservation area: 'This effort is for more federal government control and federal land acquisition'

By Big Sky Times | Oct 20, 2023

Kerry White, the executive director of Citizens for Balanced Use, has expressed concerns about a proposed conservation area in southwestern Montana. White believes that this plan, which aims to establish a 5.8 million-acre conservation area, would give the federal government more control over the land and potentially limit local residents' access to it.