Michael Santoscoy

1 week ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

TOPICS:Central Valley Fire DistrictSecond stationStaffingFunding challengesResponse timesCommunity supportVolunteer programOperational readinessCentral Valley Fire District’s second station, which has been closed for nearly two years, now has a sign outside that says "closed due to staffing."Despite the explosive growth the north side of Bozeman is seeing, district officials say residents aren’t aware the station is closed due to funding challenges.

1 week ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

BOZEMAN, Mont. — The Strand Union Building was built in 1939 and ASMSU is proposing the first significant renovation in years. Revitalizing the building will create a more welcoming hub of campus activities for students. “We’re really hoping to expand what truly is the living room of campus at Montana State,” said Jacob Zink, ASMSU president. Zink said ASMSU gathered feedback from students over the past six to eight months.

1 week ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

A new police chief is taking the reins in Manhattan, as former chief Dennis Hengel recently retired after nearly 30 years with the department. Manhattan Police chief Austin Owens moved here from Kalispell in 2010, to continue his law enforcement career with Manhattan Police Department. “At the time my wife and I we had two kids. We wanted a smaller community, and Manhattan was the perfect fit,” said Owens. Owens started out as a patrol officer, handling traffic stops, and responding to calls.

2 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

BOZEMAN, Mont. — A new president is set to take over at Montana State University. The Board of Regents extended an offer to Dr. Brock Tessman to become the 13th president of the institution. Tessman verbally accepted the position and is slated to take office July 1. MSU officials say the search for a new president began last year when current President Waded Cruzado announced her retirement. A spokesperson tells NBC Montana Tessman will be a great leader for the university.

3 weeks ago | nbcmontana.com | Michael Santoscoy

HELENA, Mont. — A gambling law moving to the Montana Senate floor aims to crack down on illegal online gambling in the Treasure State. “Montana consumers are unprotected from companies offering this type of online rated gambling. Most importantly, the illegal industry undermines the licensed and taxpaying Montana gambling businesses,” said State Sen. Vince Ricci (R-Billings). Ricci presented Senate Bill 555 Thursday during the Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs committee.