News and Media
The Jefferson Local Development Corporation (JLDC) is dedicated to fostering economic growth and community revitalization across Jefferson County, Montana. By supporting local businesses, attracting new investments, and creating quality jobs, JLDC aims to enhance the region's prosperity. Collaborating closely with partners like Jefferson County, MSU Extension, and Headwaters RC&D/EDD, JLDC provides essential resources and technical assistance to businesses. Additionally, the organization is committed to combating community deterioration through initiatives such as the Boulder South Campus reuse project
News Articles
Recognized by Travel Pulse Magazine as Montana's top haunted house destination in 2022, Whitehall's Screams Come True Haunted House is preparing for its seventh season of scares and community spirit. Once again, the haunt will transform the Whitehall Community Center (11 N Division) into a nightmare-filled attraction across three weekends:...
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that it will open the Opportunities in Rural Economies Loan Participation Program preliminary application portal from Oct. 1-28, 2025, giving partners four weeks to bring forward eligible projects.Marta Bertoglio, director of the Montana Department of Commerce, said, “By streamlining our...
Youth leadership program set to expand
Sep 23 2025Since the program launched in February 2024, the 39 graduates of Southwest Montana Youth Partner’s (SWMYP) leadership initiative have logged more than 1,000 hours of change-focused instruction and designed and completed 17 community service projects.Click here to read the full article (subscription may be required).
JHS, grade school enrollment up again
Sep 9 2025Bolstered by its largest 9th grade class since the 20th century, Jefferson High School has extended its run of enrollment growth with a student population 50% higher than a decade ago.The school’s Class of 2029 totals 100 students, up from 95 a year ago and from more typical recent classes...
The Prickly Pear Land Trust last week secured a new conservation easement on a 271-acre Montana City parcel on the south side of Mt. Ascension frequented by elk. One third of the nonprofit’s 30 easements are at least partially within Jefferson County – all in the county’s north.The latest acquisition,...
Commerce Awards Over $23.7 Million in Montana Coal Endowment Program Grant Funding to 39 Communities
Jun 5 2025HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that 39 Montana cities, towns, counties and water and sewer districts will share more than $23.7 million of grant funding to help communities construct or upgrade water and wastewater systems and bridges. The funding is through Commerce’s Montana Coal Endowment...
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced today that $320,000 of grant funding has been allocated to support 25 Native American businesses in Montana. The funding is through Commerce’s Indian Equity Fund Small Business Grant Program.“IEF funding assists startup or expanding Native American businesses in Montana with money...
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana was ranked as the best state for business startups.“As an entrepreneur, I know firsthand the joys and challenges of starting and growing a business,” Gov. Gianforte said. “With my experience, I am working every day as governor to make government more...
HELENA, Mont. – The Montana Department of Commerce announced that two funding opportunities have been expanded to help Montana entrepreneurs and small businesses strengthen, expand and innovate. The funding is through Commerce’s State Small Business Credit Initiative Program.“Montana’s small businesses are growing, and with additional funding opportunities on the horizon,...