Home Ground

Jim Weber, machine shop teacher at Capital High School in Helena, wants to prepare students for the real world of modern manufacturing. His two-year welding and machining program includes cutting-edge equipment, field trips, internship opportunities and recruiting networks. But it also incorporates formalized curriculum intended to instill a strong work ethic.

From Ruth Garfield, a female sheriff in 1920, to Elouise Cobell, a Blackfeet banker in the 21st Century, women have significantly shaped the state and communities across Montana. Beyond Schoolmarms and Madams celebrates the 100th anniversary of women winning the right to vote in Montana, six years before the 19th Amendment. Two of the authors, Annie Hanshew and Laura Ferguson, discuss how the Montana Historical Society selected the collection of women's stories.

After high school, Kipp McGuire joined the Marine Corps and served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He earned a college degree in political science, worked as a bouncer and a congressional aide. Now he's pursuing a graduate degree in international relations.

Mindy Ahler and Ryan Hall are biking over 4,000 miles from Oregon to Washington, D.C., stopping in communities along the way to discuss local climate change solutions and federal policies. They recently passed through Montana and met with Home Ground host Brian Kahn to share their motivations and hopes for the future. To find out more about the ride, visit Mindy and Ryan's blog Low Carbon Crossings.

For nearly 40 years, Ray Kuntz has been involved in commercial trucking. He built a national company operating from Montana and worked for driver safety and major reductions in exhaust pollution. As a citizen, he’s stayed engaged on social issues ranging from reducing roadside fatalities to fighting mental illness.