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Advocates for senior centers say these gathering places for seniors play an increasingly vital role for Montana’s aging population. But many centers around the state struggle to fund basic maintenance and upkeep of their facilities.

Amid ongoing federal efforts to revitalize the timber industry, an annual intertribal timber symposium took place in Montana last week.

The state’s first Workforce Expo held on a tribal reservation took place Wednesday. The collaboration between the Fort Belknap Indian Community and Montana’s Department of Labor and Industry is an effort to expand career possibilities for rural youth.

Schools across the state struggle to fill staffing vacancies. And while improving teacher pay and retention has been a top priority for the Montana Legislature, schools often turn to emergency authorized licenses to fill the gaps.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday that it’s partially reopening local offices that help farmers get federal financial support. That’s happening as Montana’s farmers say they’re on the brink of disaster.

Most Montana homeowners should see a drop in property taxes after sweeping tax reforms go into effect this year. Renters, however, could see the cost of living rise after lawmakers made a mistake reforming property taxes.

Dozens of rural communities are reaching a critical point with infrastructure at risk of crumbling. Many small towns can’t afford upgrades to things like water lines and sewers on their own. Limited funds leave some towns searching for solutions.

Childcare facilities around the state struggle with staffing and affordability. The challenges of finding and affording childcare seen across the state are worse in rural areas, where providers are scarce and wages tend to be lower. Legislators are assessing bills to subsidize childcare access.

At least once a week, an eye doctor flies across northeast Montana to reach patients who may be hundreds of miles from the nearest eye doctor. As the state's population ages, the demand for eye care increases, especially in rural communities.

Montana’s water operators are responsible for keeping drinking water clean and sewers running. But in rural towns, many are aging out of the workforce. Finding replacements for these operators caught between dedication and retirement hasn't been easy.