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Research Reveals Wind and Solar Energy Can Boost Rural Economies

Research Reveals Wind and Solar Energy Can Boost Rural Economies

New research from the University of Missouri's Center for Rural Energy Security indicates that wind and solar farms can significantly contribute to the economic growth of rural communities. Mizzou economist Adrienne Ohler, the lead researcher, analyzed economic factors in counties with renewable power plants compared to those without, spanning from 2001 to 2023. The study found that solar energy development in rural counties led to 10-20 percent increases in employment and wages within the utilities, construction, and transportation sectors. Communities hosting wind energy infrastructure experienced an approximate 7 percent increase in gross domestic product (GDP). Ohler noted that large-scale wind and solar power plants are predominantly located in rural areas, with 70 percent of large-scale solar and 94 percent of wind farms built on cropland. The report also clarified that neither wind nor solar development was associated with declining agricultural GDP, employment, or wages, suggesting no substantial n...
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Maryland Explores Strategies to Increase Local Food Use in Schools and Institutions

Maryland Explores Strategies to Increase Local Food Use in Schools and Institutions

Maryland is actively pursuing ways to increase the use of local food in its schools and institutions, as discussed at the Maryland Farm to Institution Research and Policy Symposium. The event, attended by Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks and Secretary of Health Meena Seshamani, highlighted several challenges, including cumbersome procurement processes, unclear bidding guidelines, supply reliability issues, and concerns about farmer profitability. Maryland Delegate Lorig Charkoudian, D-Montgomery, pointed out that the current food supply system is 'structurally broken,' with large sums of money spent on food not reaching Maryland farmers. Another significant hurdle identified was the federal Dormant Commerce Clause, which restricts states' ability to enact legislation that might discriminate against interstate commerce. Despite these obstacles, there is a strong desire among stakeholders to integrate more local food into institutional settings.
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Ohio's Agri-Tourism Sector Thrives with Attractions like Erwin Farm's Corn Maze

Ohio's Agri-Tourism Sector Thrives with Attractions like Erwin Farm's Corn Maze

Ohio's agri-tourism industry is experiencing significant growth, offering a diverse range of experiences for visitors. This sector combines agriculture with tourism, allowing individuals to engage with farm life, participate in activities such as picking their own produce, and immerse themselves in rural settings. A notable example of this burgeoning industry is Erwin Farm's Corn Maze in Winchester, which provides a special attraction for the public. The Ohio Department of Agriculture highlights the vibrancy of this industry, particularly as harvest season approaches and cooler weather sets in, showcasing the state's farms and fields. Agri-tourism aims to create meaningful experiences centered around agriculture, nature, food, and rural life, moving beyond simply opening a farm to visitors to offer comprehensive leisure activities.
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Five States Continue Legal Challenge to Federal Disability Rights Protections Under Section 504

Five States Continue Legal Challenge to Federal Disability Rights Protections Under Section 504

Five states—Texas, Alaska, Florida, Louisiana, and Montana—are continuing their legal challenge against federal regulations implementing Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act in the case of *Texas v. Kennedy*. These states have filed a corrected joint motion for entry of final judgment, asking the court to vacate the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Section 504 integration provision and related regulatory references to the 'most integrated setting.' This legal action is not a new lawsuit but a revised filing in an existing case. The states are seeking to block key federal regulations that clarify how Section 504 must be enforced, particularly those protections tied to community living for disabled individuals. These regulations, issued in 2024, affirm the right of people with disabilities to receive services in the most integrated setting appropriate and clarify that discrimination can occur when state policies or service gaps put individuals at risk of unnecessary institutionalization.
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Missouri Lacks General Statewide Property Tax Exemption in 2026

Missouri Lacks General Statewide Property Tax Exemption in 2026

In 2026, Missouri is identified as one of six states that do not offer a general statewide homestead property tax exemption. This means that, unlike many other states, Missouri homeowners do not automatically receive a reduction in their property's assessed value for their primary residence through a universal state program. Instead, homeowners in Missouri must rely on local or demographic-specific relief programs to reduce their property tax burden. The state does, however, provide a Missouri Property Tax Credit Claim, which functions as a circuit breaker, offering a maximum credit of $1,100 for eligible seniors and disabled individuals. Additionally, a 100% exemption is available for former Prisoners of War or 100% disabled veterans. This contrasts with states like Texas and Utah, which offer significant percentage-based or fixed-dollar homestead exemptions, effectively removing large portions of a home's market value from taxation.
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Multiple Great Falls Schools Placed Under Shelter-in-Place Due to Police Operation

Multiple Great Falls Schools Placed Under Shelter-in-Place Due to Police Operation

Multiple schools in Great Falls, Montana, including East Middle School, Lewis and Clark Elementary, and Montana School for the Deaf and the Blind, were placed under a shelter-in-place order. This action was taken in response to an ongoing police operation at a nearby apartment complex located on Central Avenue. The Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) issued a directive for residents in the vicinity to adhere to instructions provided by police personnel at the scene. Great Falls Public Schools confirmed that students were safe during the incident. Updates from Great Falls Public Schools later indicated that a 'stand down all clear' was issued for Lewis and Clark Elementary and East Elementary School, suggesting a resolution or de-escalation of the situation affecting those specific schools. The incident was a developing story, with authorities providing updates as the situation progressed.
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PepsiCo Launches Initiatives to Support Young Farmers and Ensure Agricultural Future

PepsiCo Launches Initiatives to Support Young Farmers and Ensure Agricultural Future

PepsiCo Launches Initiatives to Support Young Farmers and Ensure Agricultural Future
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Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country Seeks Part-Time Sales Merchandisers Across Seven States

Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country Seeks Part-Time Sales Merchandisers Across Seven States

Coca-Cola Bottling Company High Country Seeks Part-Time Sales Merchandisers Across Seven States
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New Grain Transload Facility Opens at Port of Baltimore to Boost Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Exports

New Grain Transload Facility Opens at Port of Baltimore to Boost Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Exports

New Grain Transload Facility Opens at Port of Baltimore to Boost Mid-Atlantic Agricultural Exports
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Colorado's Agritourism Sector Generates $66.7 Million, Bolstering Small Farms Amid Challenges

Colorado's Agritourism Sector Generates $66.7 Million, Bolstering Small Farms Amid Challenges

Colorado's Agritourism Sector Generates $66.7 Million, Bolstering Small Farms Amid Challenges
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Bozeman Residents Urged to Secure Garbage as Bear Sightings Increase

Bozeman Residents Urged to Secure Garbage as Bear Sightings Increase

Bear sightings are on the rise in Bozeman, Montana, prompting Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) to urge residents to properly secure attractants like garbage. As September marks 'Bear Aware Month' and cooler weather sets in, bears are entering hyperphagia, a period of intense feeding to prepare for hibernation, making them more active and prone to seeking food sources in residential areas. Morgan Jacobsen, an information officer with FWP, explained that bears consume thousands of calories daily and can remain active for up to 20 hours while foraging. Easy access to food in neighborhoods, such as garbage cans, barbecues, and bird feeders, is drawing bears into human-populated areas. An inconsistent berry season is also believed to be contributing to bears traveling further in search of food.
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Red Flag Warning Issued for Parts of Montana and Wyoming

Red Flag Warning Issued for Parts of Montana and Wyoming

A Red Flag Warning has been issued for parts of Montana and northern Wyoming due to critical fire weather conditions. The warning is in effect from noon to 9 PM MDT today. The affected areas include central Montana, south-central Montana, southwest Montana, and north-central Wyoming. Weather conditions in these regions are expected to include low humidity levels, as low as 15%, and strong southwest winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 mph. The most severe conditions are anticipated in the lower elevations of MTZ123 and MTZ126. These conditions significantly increase the risk of erratic fire behavior, particularly in mountainous and foothill areas.