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YPR News Desk
Jackie Yamanaka, News Director
E-mail Jackie Yamanaka
to submit a Press Release or otherwise contact the YPR News Department
YPR News Audio Archive
YPR maintains an archive of News Director Jackie Yamanaka's recent stories.
They are available for on-demand streaming using the Windows
Media format.
 Families USA: Uninsured Deaths
aired March 5, 2010
A national study estimates the failure by Congress to overhaul health
care will lead to the premature deaths of over 1,000
Montanans between the ages of 25 and 64 years of age in the next decade.
In Wtoming, the figure is estimated at about 300. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: Families USA Report Online
DOCUMENTS (in .pdf format): Families
USA Press Release Montana, Families
USA Press Release Wyoming
MSUB Chancellor Sexton Announces Retirement
aired February 26, 2010
MSU Billings Chancellor Ron Sexton formally announced he will retire
August 31. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, this is the latest retirement
announcement from a top higher education official in the past year.
Sen. Tester (D): MT Contractors & Legislation
aired February 25, 2010
Senator Jon Tester says he wants to ensure Montana
contractors are treated fairly when they bid for federal work contracts.
He told Montana radio reporters during his monthly telephone conference
call that his legislation is not to give Montana businesses any favors—rather,
it's to level the playing field. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Distracted Driving, Part 3 of 3: Kyle Hayter, MHP Ride Along
aired February 24, 2010
Another profession where a vehicle serves as an office is law enforcement.
Jackie Yamanaka joins a Montana Highway Patrol officer as he patrols
the roads in and around Billings and filed this audio postcard.
YPR is part of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking
at the issue of transportation. Funding for the "Transportation
Nation" project comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Distracted Driving, Part 2 of 3: Roy Salyers Semi Ride-Along
aired February 23, 2010
There are a number of professions where a vehicle
doubles as the office. One is long-haul trucking. Jackie Yamanaka joined
one semi-driver and filed this audio postcard. YPR is part
of a multi-station public radio reporting project looking at the issue
of transportation. Funding for the "Transportation Nation" project
comes from the Rockefeller Foundation.
Distracted Driving, Part 1 of 3
aired February 22, 2010
The federal Transportation Department is taking on the issue of distracted
driving. The agency recently announced a new rule that prohibits commercial
drivers from texting while driving. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, while
this regulation is targeted, the issue is broader. YPR is part of a multi-station
public radio reporting project looking at the issue of transportation.
Funding for the "Transportation Nation" project comes from the Rockefeller
Foundation.
Doctors Making House Calls
aired February 9, 2010
Doctors who make house calls. It's an old-fashioned notion that soon
could make a comeback for some low-income and elderly Montanans. The
Board of Medical Examiners is now recruiting retired doctors with an
active medical license to make house calls for Medicare-and Medicaid-eligible
patients. As Jackie Yamanaka reports in another in our occasional series
Making Ends Meet, the Montana Health Corps is aimed at providing primary
care to patients at a low cost.
High-Crash Corridors
aired February 8, 2010
Montana is a top-ten state when it comes to fatalities on rural roads,
according to the National Center for Excellence in Rural Safety at
the University of Minnesota. That's largely because the majority of
roads in Montana are rural. Making the state's rural roads safer is
the job of the state's Transportation Department. Kay Erickson reports
that officials look at the accident numbers and then figure out why
they're happening and what can be done to reduce them.
LINK: Montana's High-Crash Corridors
MT Violent Offender Task Force
aired February 4, 2010
U.S. Marshal Dwight McKay says the Montana Violent Offender Task FOrce
arrested a record number of people last year. In fact, it was nearly
double the figure of the task force's first year in 2005. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports, fugitives are apprehended on warrants across Montana, in other
states, and in some cases, other countries.
Economic Outlook Seminar
aired February 2, 2010
The Montana and national economies have turned the
corner and are slowly moving toward a weak recovery—that was the
message devilvered from the annual Economic Outlook Seminar. The traveling
seminar is put on each year by the Bureau of Business and Economic Research
at the University of Montana. The latest stop on the tour was Montana
State University Billings. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MT Board of Regents Formalize Cuts
aired January 28, 2010
The Montana Board of Regents formally approved a plan to cut the university
system budget. Earlier this month, Governor Brian Schweitzer directed
his executive agency directors to submit to his office how they would
cut their budgets by 5% if the action becomes necessary. The Montana
Constitution protects education, but the Regents announced they would
voluntarily comply. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MSU President Waded Cruzado
aired January 27, 2010
Waded
Cruzado (WMA)
 Waded
Cruzado (MP3)
 photo
by Brad Edwards
On January 4, 2010, Waded Cruzado became the 12th President
of Montana State University.
Dr. Cruzado recently came to Billings to tour the campus of Montana
State University Billings. Her visit included some time at Yellowstone Public
Radio, where she sat with YPR News Director Jackie Yamanaka for
a wide-ranging interview covering her professional experience, her approach to
higher ed administration, and the very clear challenges facing the Montana University
System.
UM President George Dennison to Retire
aired January 25, 2010
University of Montana President George Dennison announced he'll retire
in August 2010. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
link: http://www.umt.edu/president
Child Hunger Summit
aired January 25, 2010
Hungry in Montana 2008
Report (.pdf file, requires Adobe
Reader)
The recession continues to deepen in Montana. That's led to a growing number
of hungry children and their families. As Jackie Yamanaka reports in the
latest in our occasional series Making Ends Meet, a summit was convened
in Billings to tackle this issue.
MSU President Dr. Waded Cruzado's First Campus Address
aired January 15, 2010
Unedited Audio of Dr. Cruzado's Address
The new President of Montana State University delivered her first campus-wide
address today.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports from Bozeman, Dr. Waded Cruzado called for
collaboration to help the MSU system weather the budget challenges
ahead.
Board of Regents: Budget Challenges
aired January 14, 2010
The chairman of the Montana Board of Regents says higher education will
cooperate with the governor's call to reduce budgets. That's despite
language in the state's constitution that says it doesn't have to cooperate
with that request. The regents held their January meeting at the College
of Technology in Helena. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the campuses were
given no clear guidance as to how to carry out the request.
Green Job Training
aired January 12, 2010
Ten Montana labor organizations will receive a $5 million federal stimulus
grant. The money is to re-train the state's workforce for the emerging
wind, solar, and other renewable and energy efficiency industries. Jackie
Yamanaka reports.
Fort Robinson Run
aired January 7, 2010
About 100 youth from the Northern Cheyenne Reservation
will depart for a 400-mile run. The route stretches from Nebraska and
back to their southeastern Montana Reservation. The run commemorates
an event that took place on January 9th, 1879. That’s when ancestors
of the Northern Cheyenne decided to escape from captivity at Fort Robinson
and try to return to Montana rather than be forced to Oklahoma. Most
died, shot by the military. But a few survived and were later taken to
what is now the Northern Cheyenne Reservation. Jackie Yamanaka has more
about this memorial run.
Link: Fort Robinson Outbreak Spiritual Run
Gov. Schweitzer (D) on Enery Independence
aired January 6, 2010
MT Governor Brian Schweitzer (D) was one of the keynote speakers invitied
to talk about energy policy at a business summit in Arizona. The Montana
Democrat also chairs the Western Governors' Association. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports, Schweitzer predicted coal-fired power plants will continue despite
the calls from some to abandon them immediately and instead rely on renewable
energy resources.
Self Help Law Center
aired January 5, 2010
Yellowstone County Commissioners approved plans to renovate parts of
the county courthouse to accommodate a new District Judge and keep the
Self Help Law Center in the building. Initially, the commissioners said
the Self Help Law Center would have to leave the courthouse. Advocates,
however, urged commissioners to try to accomodate a needed service that
helps to reduce court backlog. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Rep. Denny Rehberg (R) Listening Sessions
aired December 28, 2009
Congressman Denny Rehberg (R) has scheduled five listening sessions next
week in southwest Montana to gather public comments on Senator Jon Tester's
(D) forest bill. Last summer, Tester announced he's sponsoring legislation
intended to create jobs, restore forest health, establish areas for motorized
recreation, and designate some lands as wilderness. A Senate committee
hearing was held on the bill just over a week ago. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports, Rehberg wants to hear from Montanans most affected by the bill.
Robotic Surgery at Billings Clinic
aired December 23, 2009
A donation from a retired Apollo 8 astronaut and his wife will allow
the Billings Clinic to offer a high-tech surgery that uses robotic technology.
The announcement came during a press conference in Billings. Jackie Yamakana
reports.
Otter Creek Vote
aired December 21, 2009
The Montana State Land Board voted in favor of leasing vast coal tracts
in Eastern Montana, despite overwhelming public opposition at the Board's
public meeting at the Capitol. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the vote was
not unanimous.
December Meeting of the Regents Workgroup
aired December 18, 2009
A MT Board of Regents workgroup charged with reforming and re-inventing
the Montana University System held its second meeting via video conference.
Jackie Yamanaka attended the MetNet session at MSU Billings' downtown
campus.
Conrad Anker: The Wildest Dream
aired December 7, 2009
Bozeman will host a special preview screening of a film about the man
who set out to be the first to summit Mt. Everest. George Mallory disappeared
in 1924. Seventy-five years later, alpinist Conrad Anker of Bozeman found
Mallory's body. Since that expedition, Anker wanted to tell a more complete
story about the man who aspired to stand on the world's highest peak.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Sen. Tester (D-MT): Jobs Roundtable
aired November 27, 2009
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) says Congress has a lot on its plate right
now, but the number one issue is jobs and economic recovery. During the
Thanksgiving break, Tester invited business and community leaders to
Montana State University Billings for roundtable discussion on the topic.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MT Awarded Lumina Grant
aired November 24, 2009
The Lumina Foundation for Education awarded Montana's higher education
system a grant for nearly $2 million to continue its mission to improve
two-year education. Montana is one of seven states from across the nation
awarded a grant. The other six states are Arizona, Indiana, Maryland,
Ohio, Tennessee, and Texas. The mission of all of these grants is to
find innovative ways to increase the number of college graduates at a
lower cost to students and taxpayers. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MT Board of Regents
aired November 23, 2009
The MT Board of Regents heard preliminary plans for how the Montana University
System will cope with a nearly 18 million-dollar reduction in the coming
biennium. Among the suggestions: employee furloughs and layoffs, increasing
faculty workloads and larger class sizes, program cuts, and tuition hikes.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the Schweitzer Administration urged higher
education officials to use creative fixes rather than rely on traditional
fixes.
Incoming President Cruzado / Board of Regents
aired November 20, 2009
The incoming president of Montana State University attended her first
meeting of the Montana Board of Regents. At the same time, it was the
last official meeting for MSU President Geoff Gamble. Gamble is retiring
at the end of the year. Jackie Yamanaka has more from the Regents' meeting
this week at Montana State University.
Sen. Tester (D) on Health Care
aired November 18, 2009
Senator Jon Tester says he's ready to begin debate on a health care overhaul
bill. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada is working to garner
the 60 votes Democrats need to open debate on this measure, perhaps as
early as this week. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, Tester said during a
telephone press conference that he hasn't yet pledged his vote to Reid
to start debate, but he wants the bill to come to the floor.
MSU Billings Poll: Day Two
aired November 17, 2009
A majority of Montanans disapprove of President Barack Obama's overall
performance in office, according to the latest MSU Billings poll. Just
over 400 Montanans were queried on national and state issues about a
week ago. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: Access the poll results at http://www.msubillings.edu/urelations/
MSU Billings Poll: Day One
aired November 16, 2009
Senator Max Baucus' job approval rating among Montanans has fallen 20 points.
That's according to the latest MSU Billings poll. The statewide survey
of over 400 Montanans was conducted just over a week ago. Jackie Yamanaka
reports.
LINK: Access the poll results at http://www.msubillings.edu/urelations/
Sen. Max Baucus (D) in Billings on Health Care
aired November 16, 2009
One of the lead architects of the overhaul of the nation's health care
system predicts Congress will pass legislation either by the end of this
year or soon after. About a week ago, the US House passed its bill. All
eyes are now on the Senate. Sen. Max Baucus (D) sat down with Jackie
Yamanaka to talk about what he expects the final overhaul bill will contain.
Chip Berlet / Right-Wing Movements
aired November 12, 2009
The Montana Human Rights Network says Montana is
not immune from the surge in right wing activism geared toward mobilizing
fear and resentment. That’s
why the group has invited a nationally-recognized expert to speak in
Helena on these social and political movements. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
LINK: Adobe .pdf file of the flyer for the event
Distracted Driving
aired November 5, 2009
Distracted driving is not new, says an instructor
in the state's Risk Management division. Rather, we're inundated with
more distractions—from
cell phones to other electronic gadgets, to digital billboards, to more
traffic on our roads. Jackie Yamanaka has more from a course held in Billings
on preventing distracted driving.
LINK: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Study
Tentative University System Contract
aired October 28, 2009
The union representing classified employees on the state's college campuses
has reached a tentative agreement with the Montana University System
over a new, two-year contract. The collective bargaining agreement expired
July first of this year. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
H1N1 Webinar Meeting
aired October 27, 2009
State, local, and tribal public health officials held a summit via the
internet to get an update on the spread of H1N1 in Montana, as well as
to talk about planning and response activities. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MT Board of Regents Work Group
aired October 23, 2009
A working group formed to re-invent Montana's university system sat down
for its first face-to-face meeting. The panel discussed its mission,
the results of a recent survey, and what direction it might take. Jackie
Yamanaka reports from Helena.
Meth Drug Study
aired October 20, 2009
The Billings Clinic Research Center is investigating new options that
might help women who are fighting their addiction to methamphetamine.
As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the research center has designed a study
to test the effective ness of two anti-depressant drugs in preventing
a meth relapse in women.
For more information on how to qualify for this study,
please call the Billings Clinic Research Center at (406) 259-2413 or
(406) 247-6461 or visit http://www.billingsclinic.com/body.cfm?id=27
Sen. Baucus Health Care Teleconference
aired October 19, 2009
Senator Max Baucus (D-MT) says when it comes to a health care overhaul,
the so-called public option is still on the table. The Chairman of
the Senate Finance Committee held a telephone press conference with
reporters from across the country today. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Billings VA Clinic Dedication
aired October 16, 2009
Officials dedicated the new building for the Billings Veterans Affairs
outpatient clinic. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, this dedication comes
less than two years after a visit by a former VA Secretary.
Climate Change Studies Program Launch
aired October 15, 2009
The University of Montana last night launched its new Climate Change
Studies Program. Inclement weather, though, prevented two keynote speakers
from landing in Missoula to talk about the connection between climate
change and national security. Still, Jackie Yamanaka was able to talk
to the former Vice Chief of Naval Operations about the topic.
Statewide Coat Drive
aired October 14, 2009
First Lady Nancy Schweitzer kicked off a statewide campaign to collect
unused coats that will be donated to local cahritable organizations.
The coat drive was launched at the new First Interstate Bank Operations
Center in Billings. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
For more information, visit http://ready.mt.gov/
Seasonal Flu Vaccine
aired October 12, 2009
Public health officials say a shipping delay has created a temporary
shortage of the seasonal flu vaccine in Montana. But as Jackie Yamanaka
reports, officials say there's no cause for concern since the seasonal
flu season traditionally doesn't start until mid-December.
Healthy MT Kids Launch
aired September 29, 2009
The voter-approved expansion of health insurance for Montana children
goes into effect Thursday, October 1. State health department officials
were at Riverstone Health in Billings today as part of a publicity campaign
to encourage parents to apply for the Healthy Montana Kids program. Jackie
Yamanaka reports.
MT Board of Regents: Regents Approve Budget
aired September 25, 2009
With no discussion, the Board of Regents unanimously approved the budgets
for the state's system of higher education. The regents wrapped up work
at the September meeting on Friday at MSU Billings. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MT Board of Regents: Reinvent & Reform Higher Education
aired September 25, 2009
The main task of the September meeting of the Board
of Regents is to set the budgets for the Montana university system. But
as Jackie Yamanaka reports, the regents are also discussing a broader
theme—reinvention
and reform.
MT Board of Regents: Campus Budgets
aired September 24, 2009
The Montana Board of Regents is setting budgets for the state's colleges and
universities during its meeting in Billings this week. Each campus gave its budget
presentations Wednesday. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
2009 Northwest Area Foundation Poll
aired September 17, 2009
part of the Making Ends Meet series
Montanans report thay've been hit hard by the recession. That's the finding
of a poll released by the Minnesota-based Northwest Area Foundation.
The poll found more Montanans are struggling financially than a year
ago. Since 2005, the foundation has been tracking how residents are faring
economically in its 8-state region that includes Montana. As part of
our continuing series Making Ends Meet, Jackie Yamanaka reports on some
of the poll's findings.
Jewish High Holidays / Bozeman Rabbi
aired September 15, 2009
The Jewish community in Bozeman will celebrate the High Holidays for
the first time with their resident Rabbi. Until this year, Whitefish
was the only Montana community with a resident Rabbi. Jackie Yamanaka
reports.
Congregation Beth Shalom: http://www.bethshalombozeman.org/
UPDATE: Bozeman also has a Hassidic Rabbi. His name is Rabbi Chaim Bruk.
For information: http://www.jewishmontana.com/
Gov. Schweitzer: European Trip
aired September 14, 2009
Governeor Brian Schweitzer (D) has returned to Montana from his trade
trip to Europe to discuss renewable energy. He announced as a result
that a Spanish company signed a contract to expand its current project
in Montana. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Ford Executive in Billings
aired September 14, 2009
An executive with Ford Motor Company was in Billings to talk with students
and faculty at the MSU Billings College of Business. As Jackie Yamanaka
reports, Peter Sherry talked about how Ford has been able to weather
the storms that have battered the automobile industry.
Property Reappraisal Notices
aired September 9, 2009
The final batch of property assessment notices were mailed out to residents
of Park, Madison, and Lincoln counties. These notices are NOT tax bills--rather,
they tell owners the new "market value" of their property. The information
is used to calculate property values. Jackie Yamanaka spoke with MT Revenue
Department Director Dan Bucks about how property owners should interpret
these numbers.
Property tax calculators: http://mt.gov/revenue/forindividuals/property/reappraisal/calculating.asp (note you will need Adobe reader 9.1.3 to use the tax calculators)
Department of Revenue: http://mt.gov/revenue/
Property tax reappraisal FAQ: http://mt.gov/revenue/2009_property%20_valuations_revised.asp
Sen. Baucus (D), Healthcare, and Small Business
aired September 8, 2009
When Congress returns to work following its August recess, attention
focuses on the Senate Finance Committee and its health care overhaul
efforts. Chairman Max Baucus said during the break that he'd heard a
lot of fear voiced over efforts to overhaul the nation's healthcare system.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Right to Die & the Montana Supreme Court
aired September 2, 2009
The Montana Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the state's appeal
of a lower court ruling that Montanans have a constitutionality protected
right to a physician-assisted suicide. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, one
of the arguments the justices are weighing stems from whether this decision
belongs before the courts OR is a public policy decision that belongs
before the Montana Legislature.
Sen. Baucus (D) / AARP Meeting
aired September 1, 2009
Senator Max Baucus reassured senior citizens that he wants to strengthen
Medicare in any overhaul of the nation's health care system. His comments
came during a telephone town hall meeting organized by AARP Montana.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Lone Peak High School
aired August 31, 2009
A ribbon-cutting is scheduled for Montana's newest high school. Students
from Big Sky used to attend Bozeman High School located nearly sixty
miles away. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
MSUB Chancellor Address
aired August 26, 2009
Higher education officials in Montana are laying the groundwork for an
overhaul of the state's colleges and universities. Among the reasons cited
are decreased funding from government sources, a desire by some officials
to hold the line on tuition and fees, and the changing face of students.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
UPDATE: Contaminated Cooke City Water
August 24, 2009
story aired June 24, 2009
BOIL ORDER RESCINDED
read .pdf: http://www.ypradio.org/documents/ccwater.pdf
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality had identified several
possible sources of contamination affecting the public water system in
Cooke City.
Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) / Billings Hospitals
aired August 20, 2009
U.S. Senator Jon Tester met with hospital representatives in Billings
today to talk about health care. Th U.S. Senate is currently on its August
recess and members are getting an earful on the issue. That's because
the Senate could begin debate on the bill in September. And just last
week, President Barack Obama shined attention on the issue by holding
a town hall meeting in Belgrade. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Businesses Planning for the Flu
aired August 19, 2009
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke is urging businesses to begin planning
now for the upcoming flu season. Jackie Yamanaka participated in Locke's
telephone conference call with reporters and filed this report.
Pres. Obama Town Hall Meeting
aired August 14, 2009
Archived Audio
President
Obama Town Hall (WMA)
President
Obama Town Hall (MP3)
 On
Friday, August 14, President Barack Obama delivered an address and conducted
a town hall meeting from a hangar at the Gallatin Valley Airport in Belgrade,
Montana. The spirited discussion included a range of views and questions from
a viariety of standpoints on the issue of healthcare reform. KTVQ-TV provided
YPR with audio for the live broadcast.
Montana Fair Opens
aired August 7, 2009
MontanaFair, Montana's largest fair, opens Friday
in Billings. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, officials anticipate strong
attendance, despite the recession.
Rep. Denny Rehberg (R) Call-In
aired Thursday, August 6, 7pm
Rep.
Denny Rehberg (WMA)
Rep.
Denny Rehberg (MP3)
 Representative Denny
Rehberg (R) joined YPR News Director Jackie Yamanaka and
the YPR listening audience to discuss the issues currently facing Congress
and the state of Montana. This hour-long program featured questions and
comments from callers.
Schweitzer/Stillwater Mine Talks Resume
aired August 6, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer says General Motors has agreed to resume talks with a Montana mining company. He made the announcement at a press conference at the Capitol. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Tester/General Motors & Stillwater Mine
aired July 30, 2009
Senator Jon Tester says there's little Congress probably can do to restore the platinum and palladium contract General Motors recently cancelled with Montana's Stillwater Mine. Still, he hopes public pressure will compel the bailed out automaker to do the right thing. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Medicine Crow/Presidential Medal
aired July 30, 2009
President Barack Obama announced the last living Plains Indian war chief will receive a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Crow Tribal Historian Joe Medicine Crow will receive the nation's highest civilian honor in August. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Safe Schools/Bullying
aired July 21, 2009
Speakers at a Safe Schools conference in Billings say it's a myth that saying, "sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me." Or that it's "kids being kids." The reality is bullying can turn deadly. A dad from Vermont said his son killed himself after years of being taunted by classmates. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, John Halligan hopes some good will come from his story.
Ryan Halligan and Vermont’s anti-school bullying law: http://www.ryanpatrickhalligan.org/
How states are dealing with bullying in school: http://bullypolice.org/
Ben Steele & New Book on Bataan
aired July 20, 2009
The authors of a new book about the Bataan Death March say they were
struck by how a prisoner of war from Montana emerged from his ordeal
with a sense of humor and his perspective intact. Michael and Elizabeth
Norman traveled from their home in New Jersey to Billings to talk about
their book Tears in the
Darkness and the man who holds the story together.
Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Raw Audio: Michael and Elizabeth Norman's MSUB Presentation, July 17,
2009
Norman
Presentation, PART ONE (WMA)
Norman
Presentation PART ONE (MP3)
Norman
Presentation PART TWO (WMA)
Norman
Presentation PART TWO (MP3)
Sen. Tester (D) Forest Legislation
aired July 17, 2009
Senator Jon Tester (D-MT) says his forest legislation
aims to do it all—create
jobs, restore forest health and protect watersheds, establish areas for
motorized recreation, and designate some forest lands as wilderness. Tester
held a press conference at R-Y Timber in Townsend to announce his legislation.
Jackie Yamanaka talked to the Democrat and has this report.
Baucus/Reduced Hospital Payments
aired July 13, 2009
The leaders of Montana's two largest hospitals support
a proposal that would reduce their federal health care reimbursement.
Senator Max Baucus was the lead negotiator on the agreement. The hospitals
agreed to a cut in Medicaid and Medicare reimbursements so long as everyone
has insurance. Jackie Yamanaka reports on how the plan might impact Montana
hospitals.
Northen Transit Interlocal
aired July 6, 2009
The people along the Hi-Line in north central Montana are somewhat isolated. Visits to the doctor or major shopping outlets require a long drive to Great Falls and Kalispell. Life became more isolated in 2005 when a passenger bus line discontinued it service into Great Falls. But residents did not sit by idly. They formed a task force and found a solution. Kay Erickson explains.
HHS Secretary Sebelius/State Reports
aired June 26, 2009
U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius released a series of reports on the current status of health care across the country.
She told reporters via a telephone conference call the findings highlight the urgent need to reform the country’s health care system. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services : http://healthreform.gov/
2009 Fire Season Projection
aired June 26, 2009
A federal fire manager says while much of Montana is green, the situation can quickly turn brown and dry.
Federal, state, and local fire officials held a briefing at the Interagency Dispatch Center in Billings. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Billings Interagency Dispatch Center: http://www.blm.gov/mt/st/en/prog/fire/bdc.htm
Northern Rockies Coordination Center: http://gacc.nifc.gov/nrcc/
National Interagency Fire Center: http://www.nifc.gov/
Contaminated Cooke City Water
aired June 24, 2009
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality has identified several possible sources of contamination affecting the public water system in Cooke City.
Officials say at this point, no one has reported becoming ill as a result of the E. Coli and fecal coliform contamination. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, steps are in place to replace the water system in Cooke City.
Boil Order Fact Sheet: http://deq.mt.gov/tempdocs/BoilOrderFactSheet.pdf
Federal Stimulus Spending/Montana Website
aired June 24, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer unveiled a new state website that tracks how Montana's share of the federal stimulus money is spent. During a press conference at the Capitol, Schweitzer said the website gives the public direct access to the information.
Boil Order for Cooke City
aired June 22, 2009
The state of Montana issued an immediate boil order for Cooke City after E. Coli bacteria was detected in the community's public water system. The Montana Department of Environmental Quality says E. Coli was detected last Monday. Officials say bacterial contamination can occur when increased run-off enters the drinking water source. Officials advise people to boil their water before drinking it, brushing teeth, washing dishes and using for food preparation. Water should be brought to a boil and left to boil for at least one minute before use. The boil order remains in effect until further notice.
On behalf of the Cooke City Water District: Drinking Water Notice (.doc file)
ARRA Funding for Shiloh Road
aired June 22, 2009
Governor Brian Schweitzer was joined by several state and local officials for a groundbreaking ceremony for Montana's first road project to be paid for with federal stimulus dollars. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, the road project is in Billings.
MT Board of Regents: MUS Fees & Virtual Academy
aired June 18, 2009
The Board of Regents approved fee increases for the Montana University
System (MUS). The Regents also approved a proposal to host the K-12 Virtual
Academy at the University of Montana. The actions came during a conference
call. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
WGA/Renewable Energy
aired June 16, 2009
Obama administration officials pledged to work with governors across the west to speed up approval for new energy and transmission projects. The comment came during the annual meeting of the Western Governors' Association. That meeting wrapped up in Park City, Utah, after some of the governors held a press conference. Jackie Yamanaka joined via conference call and has this report.
Billings Depot Celebration
aired June 16, 2009
The Billings Depot celebrates its centennial this year. As part of the festivities, people can buy tickets to ride aboard the story book favorite Thomas the Tank Engine. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, three charitable organizations received $10,000 worth of tickets for next month's event.
More information: http://www.billingsdepot.org/dowt/dowt_main.html
MERLIN
aired June 15, 2009
An administrator in the Department of Justice defended the state computer system for motor vehicle records.
County officials and residents have criticized the long lines that the new Montana Enhanced Registration and Licensing Information Network , or MERLIN, created.
Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol.
Medicaid
aired June 15, 2009
Montana has seen a dramatic increase in its Medicaid caseload since last November. The program pays for medical care for low-income and disabled individuals and families. As Jackie Yamanaka reports from the Capitol, a legislative committee got an update on this program as well as on a program geared toward children.
Clean Energy Jobs
aired June 10, 2009
A new report predicts jobs in the clean energy economy are poised for explosive growth across the country. The report by the Pew Charitable Trusts says jobs in this sector have been growing since 1998 spurred on by public demand, government action and venture capital investment. Jackie Yamanaka has more on the findings for Montana and Wyoming.
Pew Charitable Trusts report: http://www.pewtrusts.org/our_work_report_detail.aspx?id=53260
Tester and Disabled American Vets
aired June 5, 2009
Senator Jon Tester told a conference of Disabled American Veterans in Billings there's been progress in Congress to address their needs but more needs to be done. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Otter Creek Public Meetings
aired June 4, 2009
The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has scheduled two public meetings this month to collect comments on the Otter Creek coal reserves in southeastern Montana. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, these meetings are focused on the recent appraisal of these state-owned coal reserves.
More information about the public meetings for the Otter Creek appraisal: http://dnrc.mt.gov/About_Us/meetings.asp#lb
More information about the Otter Creek Coal tracts: http://dnrc.mt.gov/trust/MMB/otter_creek/Default.asp
Montana Health Care
aired June 3, 2009
Montana's senior U.S. Senator, Max Baucus, is leading the charge for health care reform. Because of that, groups around the state are organizing rallies to add their voices to the debate. As Jackie Yamanaka reports, a group advocating national health insurance for all Americans plans six rallies across the state on Friday.
Montana Meth Project
aired June 2, 2009
The new executive director of the Montana Meth project was in Billings to talk about the future of the anti-meth campaign. Jackie Yamanaka reports.
Better Business Bureau
aired June 1, 2009
Magazine sales, collection agencies, furniture
companies and car dealerships are among the top complaints that send
Montanans to the Better
Business Bureau. The information is from statistics compiled through
April of this year by the Bureau. Kay Erickson has more.
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