In Brief

FOR THE COURIER

’21-’22 School Calendar Approved

Students will attend four days a week

Following lengthened discussions and negotiations, the Glasgow School District Board of Trustees voted last week to adopt a four day week for students beginning when pupils return to school in the fall.

The first day of school for students will be on Aug. 23.

“It is very similar to this year’s [calendar],” said Superintendent Wade Sundby. “Graduation stays on May 30, as it has in the past.”

Students will attend school Mondays through Thursdays most weeks. During school weeks when a federal holiday falls on a Monday, students would attend Tuesdays through Fridays, Sundby said.

State Unemployment Rate Falls

Montana’s unemployment rate declined in March to 3.8%, the state’s third consecutive month of lower unemployment rates. Nationwide, the unemployment rate was 6.0% in March.

“For the third consecutive month this year, Montana has seen the benefits of a safe reopening as our unemployment rate continues its downward trend,” said Governor Greg Gianforte. “As we continue to reopen and get back to normal, too many of our businesses struggle to find workers, and I remain committed to getting more Montanans back into the workforce with good-paying jobs.”

Payroll employment posted strong growth of 4,000 jobs over the month, reflecting large gains in industries severely impacted by the pandemic. The Leisure and Hospitality sector added 1,300 jobs, while the Manufacturing, Education, and Health sectors each added 800 jobs. Montana’s total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, grew by 1,210 jobs in March. The labor force grew by 439 workers in March, signaling a rebound from recent declines.

MSGA APPLAUDS COURT DECISION PROTECTING MONTANA WATER RIGHTS

The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) applauds the decision coming from the Montana First Judicial District Court ruling in favor of the State of Montana regarding a case surrounding water rights ownership as part of House Bill (HB) 286, a bill passed during the 2019 legislature. In the bill, the legislature established a process to help the Montana Department of Natural Resources (DNRC) from violating the Montana and U.S. Constitution and created a statute that required the DNRC to follow due process prior to putting its name on ownership records of water rights.

MSGA, an intervenor party in the case, advocated during the 2019 legislative session that HB 286 was necessary to revise water rights laws in connection with state trust land leases and declared private use of water derived from a well or developed spring, which was diverted from private land to a state lease, did not result in partial water ownership interest for the state of Montana.

“This is a significant victory for water right holders and state trust land lessees across the state,” stated Jay Bodner, Executive Vice President of MSGA. “HB 286 recognizes the value state land lessees contribute to state trust lands. They manage the land, invest in infrastructure, and serve as stewards. Having a water right holder’s property taken from them with no due process is an authority the state does not have.”

The complaint, brought forth by Advocates for School Trust Lands, was clearly denied by the court and the case was dismissed, granting the state of Montana, MSGA and the additional intervenor a clear victory. 

Congregate Meals return in May

The Glasgow Senior Center will resume congregate senior meals at 11:30 a.m. May 4. Going forward, meals will be served at such time on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. Masks must be worn before and after eating. Social distancing will be practiced. The center will have places set up for people living in the same household. Grab & Go meals will still be offered for hose who wish.

Meals on Wheels will remain the same, Mondays through Fridays.

Reservations should be made by 9 a.m. each day by calling 406-228-9500.

A $5.50 donation is suggested.

In addition, bingo is back, starting at 1 p.m. Tuesday May 4, and 1 p.m. Saturday May 8. Masks are required.

Shane Sinclair

Makes Honor Roll

Shane Sinclair, of Glasgow, has earned a place on the Spokane Falls Community College honor roll for winter quarter 2021. Students must earn a GPA of 3.0 or higher to be on the honor roll. SFCC is one of two community colleges within the Community Colleges of Spokane district in Washington and serves about 7,600 students.