State of Montana Newsroom
An Eastern Montana Welcome: Gov. Gianforte Kicks Off 56 County Tour
EKALAKA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte kicked off his 56 County Tour today visiting with Montanans in Custer, Powder River, and Carter counties.
“It’s great to be back on the road to meet with Montanans for another 56 County Tour, and even better to kick things off with folks in southeastern Montana,” Gov. Gianforte said. “While Montana families are facing great successes, they’re also facing serious challenges, from skyrocketing inflation to drought conditions. It’s what I heard today from folks in Miles City, Olive, and Ekalaka. I’ll take their ideas, concerns, and hopes with me, and they’ll help guide us as we lead the Montana comeback.”
Gov. Gianforte holds townhall meeting in Ekalaka
Gov. Gianforte began the 2022 56 County Tour in Custer County. In Miles City, the governor awarded the Sandhills Sewing and Vacuum Center a Spirit of Montana commendation for its 50 years of service to the community.
Owner Jerry Dusatko came to Miles City with two rifles and a toolbox to start his own business, the Sandhills Sewing and Vacuum Center. After receiving the award, Dusatko said, “It’s thanks to the wonderful people of eastern Montana that we’ve in business for 50 years. This is a great honor, that’s been made possible through lots of hard work, many long hours, and treating others how you’d want to be treated.”
Heading south to Powder River County in the afternoon, the governor toured Gnerer Angus Ranch near Olive as part of Montana Ag Week. At the ranch, the governor toured the sale barn and learned about last weekend’s bull sale.
The governor also heard about how rising production costs and drought conditions are impacting their business. “Inflation is taking a toll on family farms across Powder River County, driving up costs on all aspects of our operation, from parts to fuel to tires and delivering bulls,” said Joe Gnerer, owner of Gnerer Angus Ranch.
The governor finished the day in Carter County hosting a townhall meeting with local residents and agricultural producers in Ekalaka. During the townhall, Gov. Gianforte and residents discussed cutting red tape to better develop our workforce, improving local infrastructure, and modernizing the state’s drought response plan, among other topics.
The governor’s 56 County Tour continues tomorrow in four more eastern Montana counties.
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