News

The Montana Department of Commerce (DOC) has removed the application for the 99 year property leases in Virginia City created by House Bill 680 in the 2025 legislative session from their website and paused all pending applications until further notice.

Jamie Barta fell in love with the history of the Star Bakery when he moved to Virginia City in 2021, after three years as the concessionaire responsible for the restaurant and two running the bakery, his contract was canceled on Jan.

The concessionaires who operate the Wells Fargo Steakhouse and Bob’s Place in Virginia City have filed for an emergency injunction to stop the Department of Commerce (DOC) from canceling their contracts. Montana Fifth District Court judge Luke Berger has set a hearing to show cause that will take place on Jan.

Ennis town commissioner Cory Hardy swore in two town commissioners and the new mayor at a ceremony held at town hall at 9 a.m. on Dec. 30. 

The Town of Ennis received $750,000 from the Department of Commerce in the form of a community development block grant (CDBG) to improve their water system infrastructure. 

The Montana Department of Commerce (DOC) has responded to questions about their cancelation of the concessionaire contracts in Virginia City and the new contracts being offered to the concessionaires and published a frequently asked question page to help answer future inquiries. 

The Montana Department of Commerce (DOC) has begun the process of canceling concessionaire contracts with the Montana Heritage Commission (MHC) in Virginia City and giving the business owners 21 days to decide if they will sign a new contract with standardized terms. 

The Sheridan Town Commission voted unanimously to pass their first ever set of zoning ordinances at their Nov. 24 special meeting. The new ordinances will take effect on Dec. 24 and will help direct the way the town manages growth into the future.