Tim Phillips
Tim Phillips Montana Department of Commerce Allocates Planning Grants to Eight Montana Communities
LENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that eight Montana towns, cities and counties will share more than $300,000 of grant funding to help plan significant community development projects. The funding is through Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Planning Grant Program.
“Commerce’s planning grants help Montana communities produce future growth plans, studies and training to advance crucial infrastructure and community development projects while creating and retaining good paying jobs for local workers,” said Commerce Director Marta Bertoglio.
The CDBG Planning Grant Program is designed to help communities plan by supporting the implementation of growth policies, capital improvement plans, subdivision and zoning regulations, downtown plans, housing plans and preliminary architectural and engineering reports.
The following communities will receive CDBG Planning Grant funding:
Custer County will receive $23,250 to complete a preliminary architecture report for Miles City Public Library.
The City of Fort Benton will receive $32,000 to complete a zoning code update.
The City of Havre will receive $50,000 to complete a stormwater preliminary engineering report.
Lewis and Clark County will receive $50,000 to complete a preliminary architecture report for an emergency operations center in Lincoln.
Missoula County will receive $26,250 to complete a preliminary architectural report for Seeley Lake Elementary School.
The City of Plentywood will receive $45,000 to complete a growth policy.
Powell County will receive $50,000 to complete a growth policy update.
Wibaux County will receive $30,000 to complete a growth policy and capital improvement plan.
In 2024, the Town of Superior received $39,500 of CDBG Planning Grant funding to complete a preliminary architectural report for its swimming pool. Brogan Keenen, vice president of Superior’s Pool in the Park Committee, said, “Once the pool is in operation, we’ll be able to offer water aerobics and therapy, swim lessons and the Rec Club can teach people how to paddleboard. The fire departments may want to train on water rescues. People will see that it’s a safe and fun place for families.”
Eligible applicants for CDBG Planning Grants include Montana counties, cities and towns. Local governments may apply on behalf of special purpose districts, unincorporated areas or on behalf of non-profit organizations like human resource development councils, area agencies on aging, domestic violence shelters, Boys and Girls Clubs, food banks, hospitals, nursing homes or similar non-profit agencies. Counties may also apply on behalf of tribal utility authorities.
For more information about CDBG Planning Grants, visit commerce.mt.gov.
Tim’s Show Notes
What do you think of when you hear “self-care?” Probably candles, face masks, bath bombs and fancy massages that cost far more than we’re willing to admit. While those things can be a part of treating yourself and making life feel softer, which is always nice, they’re the cute, sexy side of self-care. But they get all the attention because self-care has a serious branding problem.
The thing is, genuine self-care that actually improves your life is far more boring, but it’s much more effective. It’s doing the thing you really don’t want to do because you know it will make “Future You” proud. It’s the stuff nobody posts about on social media, but it will help make your life better.
Ready to try real self-care? Here’s what to focus on:
Boundary self-care – This one means you stop being there for those who only show up when they want something. Or not answering the call when you’re already maxed out. It’s being okay with someone being a little disappointed in you so you don’t feel fully burned out.
Body self-care – There is a physical side to it, but it’s not about bubble baths. This type involves treating sleep like it’s a complete non-negotiable and moving your body every day because you can, not because you’re being punished. And fueling your body with real food so you can do everything else.
Mind self-care – This one takes a lot of us out of our comfort zone because it includes things like making yourself stop scrolling when you catch yourself doing it to avoid your own thoughts. Journaling, meditating and even writing lists down instead of trying to keep track of it all in your head, all fall into this category.
Life-admin self-care – We tend to put off the stuff in this area, but doing these things is truly taking care of yourself. This is your sign to book the appointment, refill the prescription, pay the bill, and do any other tedious task now so it doesn’t hang over you until you do.
Source: Vice
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Top 10 Most Overused Words And Phrases In 2025 … According to a new study by Lake Superior State University as part of their annual “Banished Words List.”
1. 6-7
2. Demure
3. Incentivize
4. Perfect
5. Gift/Gifted
6. My bad
7. Reach out
8. Slop
9. Rage bait
10. Fake news
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Harvard research reveals that couples who spend money on services that save them time and effort, like house cleaning and takeout, enjoy their relationships more.
According to a six-week study, busy, dual-income couples who made “time-saving purchases” on a given day reported being happier and more satisfied with their relationships.
Even if you can’t afford to outsource bigger household chores, behavioral scientist and Harvard Business School professor Ashley Whillians says even a little bit helps free up time to connect.
Source: Los Angeles Times
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According to a new study, swearing during a physical challenge makes you stronger. This isn’t just about blowing off steam. Instead, swearing triggers a state of “psychological flow” and self-confidence that helps the brain bypass hesitation and distraction. Study author Dr. Richard Stephens went so far as to call swearing a “calorie-neutral, drug-free tool” that’s available whenever we need a quick performance boost.
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PC World magazine says computer prices may skyrocket by as much as 20% due to a memory shortage.
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WSAV says Hyundai and Boston Dynamics recently introduced a new humanoid robot, named Atlas, at the Consumer Electronics Show. The robot is capable of performing complex movements with precision. Atlas waves and can swivel its head like an owl. Hyundai plans to integrate Atlas into its manufacturing process
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Quartz magazine says this year’s Consumer Electronics Show features smart toothbrushes including the Halo Toothbrush which has an AI tool called Smart Nose. The Halo uses artificial intelligence and gas sensors to detect 300 possible health problems including diabetes, liver disorders and gum disease. The Smart Nose smells a user’s breath before making a diagnosis
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A 200-year-old church bell was stolen from St. Peter’s Anglican Church in Fredericton, New Brunswick last week. The brass bell, which weighed several hundred pounds, was forged in England and had been on display outside the church for over 50 years. Security cameras caught a black pickup truck near the church around 2:15 am on Dec. 29th, and police later found part of the bell destroyed in a ditch after getting a tip from the public. A former minister said it had been smashed with a sledgehammer; the investigation is ongoing.
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Some people can’t resist the lure of crime. Dexter Jackson was released from prison for armed robbery in Marion County, Florida in November and was back within a month. A week after his release, Jackson was involved in a chase with police and a few days later, after posting bond, he allegedly stole from a Dollar General.
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WPLG says a 75-year-old Davie, Florida woman was recently arrested for impersonating an officer and pointing a taser at a family. Laurie Kavin intervened in a dispute at Walmart. She falsely claimed to be a cop and pointed a Taser at a woman and her mother. Kavin was arrested for aggravated assault and impersonating an officer
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Coosa Valley News says a Stockbridge, Georgia man, named Julian Quintus Guthrie, was recently arrested for stealing $3,500 worth of items from a Home Depot. Guthrie loaded items onto a cart and then drove off in a Jeep without paying. He left his accomplice, Jabriel Hasan, behind in the parking lot. Guthrie is facing a felony charge for theft
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A fortune-teller in Thailand took his prediction game a little too far when he stole a client’s phone just to prove himself right
Police in Pattaya arrested 38-year-old Udomsap Mueangkaew after he swiped a 19-year-old woman’s iPhone while she was praying at a temple
Earlier that day, he had warned her she would face bad luck and lose a valuable item soon, then offered to prevent it for a fee
Source: Oddity Central
Glasgow NWS Northeast Montana 2025 Recap
From the National Weather Service Office in Glasgow:
2025 was a notable weather year for Glasgow. Overall, 2025 was the 19th warmest year with an average temperature of 44.8 degrees.
It’s important to note this average is using data since 1948.
Two locally notable storms affected Glasgow this year: a severe thunderstorm on June 15th and a blizzard on December 17th. Both events inflicted damages in town as well as other locations across northeast Montana.
Total precipitation for 2025 was 13.45″ which is 0.01″ above average. Total snowfall for 2025 was 41.0″ which is 0.3″ above normal. Of the 41.0″ of 2025 snow, 15.1″ fell from January through March whereas 25.9″ fell from November through December.
Sports Broadcasts This Week
Friday, January 9th, on KLTZ
High School Basketball: Poplar at Glasgow
Girls at 6, Boys at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 10th, on KLTZ
Saturday Morning Sports Show, 8 a.m.
High School Hockey: Miles City at Glasgow, 10 a.m.
High School Basketball: Malta at Glasgow Girls at 4, Boys at 5:30 p.m.
2025 Weather Review
The Glasgow National Weather Service has compiled the statistics from 2025 in Glasgow.
2025 was the 19th warmest year on record, going back to 1948. The average temperature for the year was 44.8 degrees.
The high temperature of the year was 101 degrees, 12 degrees off the record from 1900. The lowest temperature recorded was -31, which was 18 degrees warmer than the record of -59 in 1936.
Two notable storms affected Glasgow this past year: a severe thunderstorm on June 15th and a blizzard on December 17th.
That severe thunderstorm on June 15th produced a wind gust of 71mph and half dollar sized hail. That wind gust broke the record for the highest gust recorded in June.
The blizzard on December 17th produced a wind gust of 78mph, which broke the record for the highest December wind gust.
Total precipitation for 2025 was 13.45, one hundredth ahead of the average. Total snowfall for the year was right at 41 inches, .3 above normal. 25.9 inches of that snow fell in November and December. The annual precipitation record is 22.96 inches, set in 2011. The snowfall record is also from that year: 93.4 inches.
Other records of note: – March was the 6th warmest March on record – April was the driest since 1984 (.01) – June 22nd was unusually cold: the high was only 55, the coldest June high since 2009.
Spring was the 7th warmest on record, and the driest since 2017
Summer was the coolest and wettest summer since 2019. July and August only had one day each with triple digit temperatures.
Fall was the fifth warmest on record.
December 2025 was the wettest December on record, with 1.72″ of precipitation. December 11th was the wettest December day on record, with .94″ of precipitation, and 7.5 inches of snow.
Upcoming Tim Phillips Show
Dating trends for 2026 – Another food trends list – Two For Tuesday
Valley County 4-H Council Meeting
The monthly Valley County 4-H council meeting will be held Tues. Jan. 6th at 5:30p.m. at the Valley County Courthouse. All clubs are encouraged to have representation. Call the Valley County Extension Office, 406-228-6241, for more information.
FCS Championship Game Airs Today
The FCS Championship game between Montana State and Illinois State will air from Nashville today on KLTZ. Pre-game at 4:30 p.m. and Kickoff at 5:30 p.m.
GNDC Tourism Loan Fund Helps Children’s Museum
WOLF POINT, MT — Great Northern Development Corporation (GNDC) is proud to announce a new tourism loan that helped the Children’s Museum of Northeast Montana purchase its downtown Glasgow building — a major step forward for one of the region’s most beloved educational and family attractions.
The loan was made possible through GNDC’s Tourism Revolving Loan Fund, a special financing program created with support from the State of Montana to strengthen tourism-related businesses across the region. With additional support and coordination from Missouri River Country, this project was identified as an eligible tourism attraction — a key contributor to the region’s visitor economy and family recreation opportunities.
The program offers flexible terms, competitive rates, and opportunities to partner with local banks to help businesses and nonprofits grow and invest in regional tourism assets.
“The Children’s Museum has become a cornerstone of family recreation and education in Glasgow,” said Kelcie Bates, Loan Officer at GNDC. “This loan helps them transition from renting to ownership — building long-term stability and allowing them to expand their programming for local families and visitors alike.”
Since its founding in 2005, the Children’s Museum has provided hands-on learning experiences for kids ages 2–10 through creative, themed exhibits like Main Street, Pollinator Exhibit, The Roxy Theater, and World Wildlife Experience. The museum attracts visitors from across Montana and beyond, serving as a regional hub for interactive learning and family tourism.
Executive Director Stacey Fast worked closely with GNDC’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Lending Department throughout the project — from early business planning to financial packaging and loan approval.
“GNDC’s support made all the difference,” said Fast. “They helped us navigate the process step-by-step. Owning our building means we can reinvest in our exhibits and continue serving families in rural Montana for generations.” This project represents how GNDC’s Tourism Loan Fund supports local investments that strengthen the region’s tourism economy, enhance community vitality, and help organizations reach long-term sustainability.
“This is exactly the kind of project this fund was built for,” said Tori Matejovsky, Executive Director of GNDC. “We’re investing in local assets that make our region more vibrant and welcoming — while supporting organizations that add real value to their communities.
The GNDC Tourism Revolving Loan Fund was established in 2024 through a state tourism development grant to support businesses and nonprofits that contribute to the regional visitor economy. The program offers flexible financing, competitive rates, and partnership options with local lenders for projects that expand tourism and strengthen rural communities. Eligible uses include property purchases, facility improvements, and equipment that enhance tourism infrastructure across GNDC’s service area.
(GNDC) Great Northern Development Corporation is the regional economic and small business development organization serving Valley County and the broader northeast Montana region. As a mission-driven nonprofit, GNDC partners with local, state, federal, and private stakeholders to bring resources, investment, and opportunity to rural communities. GNDC’s programs include small business advising through the SBDC, FADC, NABA, business lending, Brownfield Program, and community infrastructure planning — all focused on building a more resilient and prosperous region.
www.gndc.org
406-653-2590