Greetings! Here are the topics for today’s column: 

• U.S. Census & Montana
• Public Safety in Great Falls
• Flags in Montana
• Indianapolis 500

U.S. CENSUS & MONTANA:

The Daily Montanan reported that Gallatin and Flathead were the fastest-growing counties in Montana between 2023 and 2024, while the city of Kalispell has grown nearly 25% since 2020, adding more residents than any Montana city, according to the latest population growth data from the U.S. Census.

It was also reported that the city of Great Falls lost 465 residents according to the data. I’m sure Great Falls leaders will try to put a spin on the declining population, so stay tuned! 

On the other hand, Kalispell, Bozeman, Billings, Missoula, and Helena all added more residents.

PUBLIC SAFETY IN GREAT FALLS:

Recently, Great Falls City Commissioner Rick Tryon again posted about public safety on social media, writing, in part:

Dig down a little and you’ll find that the root of most crime, by far, in Great Falls can be directly attributed to drugs and alcohol abuse and addiction.

The recent tragic death downtown is no exception when you look closely at the suspect’s behavior.

Drug dealers are evil. Period.

I agree with that.

Tryon also stated:

More resources for local law enforcement and harsher sentencing for dealers, including the death penalty for major manufacturers/distributors and military action against international drug cartels, is what’s needed.

Tryon says he “will continue to insist that public safety is our NUMBER ONE priority in Great Falls.”

Many comments placed the blame on judges for not imposing harsher sentences. 

It seems every time we have a major crime or two in Great Falls, we hear about the need for more police and more funding for public safety. The leaders in Great Falls tried to pass a safety levy, but it failed. They stick it to the taxpayers every chance they get with increases in fees. That pisses people off. 

There is not a department in the city that would not like more funding. If the commission has the guts, they need to decide what they will cut from other departments in the city to quench their thirst for more public safety dollars. 

FLAGS IN MONTANA:

It was reported by the Daily Montanan that Montana Governor Greg Gianforte signed House Bill 819, brought by Flathead Republican Rep. Braxton Mitchell. The bill places strict stipulations on what flags can be displayed at schools and other government buildings.

Like many bills passed by the MAGA-controlled Montana Legislature, this one will undoubtedly be challenged in court. 

Check out the complete report from the Daily Montanan HERE. 

INDIANAPOLIS 500:

Just a reminder that the  Indianapolis 500 is this Sunday (May 25). The race is scheduled to start around 10:45 Montana time. Fox is airing the race. 

More information can be found HERE. 

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