Ed Kemmick
![Gary Ferguson: Montana writer sees more wildfires in our future](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/09/newbomber.png?w=980&q=75)
Gary Ferguson: Montana writer sees more wildfires in our future
In this summer of brutal heat, smoke and ash, in the midst of what Gov. Steve Bullock has called an “unprecedented fire season,” Gary Ferguson’s new book couldn’t be more timely.
![Urban living: Historic downtown Billings lofts go condo](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/billings-condos.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Urban living: Historic downtown Billings lofts go condo
Seven units in one of the earliest downtown buildings to be converted to loft apartments are now on the market as condominiums. The two-story loft apartments, averaging about 1,700 square feet each, are located in the Oliver Building at 2702 Montana Ave., at the corner of Montana and North 27th Street.
![Prairie Lights: A second chance for Salt Lake City](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/05/1Kemmick.mug-copy-2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Prairie Lights: A second chance for Salt Lake City
Ed Kemmick had a chance to improve his impression of Salt Lake City this weekend. So far, so good. Although his daughter has said more than once that “this is not a big city,” it seems like one to him. But there's more ...
![Cash-carrying Canadian arrested near Montana border crossing](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/seized-money.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Cash-carrying Canadian arrested near Montana border crossing
The U.S. Border Patrol said its agents arrested a 25-year-old man from Alberta, Canada, trying to enter the United States illegally this week while carrying “large amounts of U.S. currency" near the Sweetgrass, Montana, border crossing.
![Prairie Lights: Did someone say ‘political hack’?](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/art-wittich-trial.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Prairie Lights: Did someone say ‘political hack’?
Former state legislator Art Wittich claims to have been the victim of a political persecution. Ed Kemmick takes a close look at what actually happened to him and why.
![First Time for Everything: Happily lost in Crow Country](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/Crow-trip-More-rock-1-of-1.jpg?w=980&q=75)
First Time for Everything: Happily lost in Crow Country
On a drive through a little-traveled corner of the Crow Indian Reservation, it was so breathtakingly beautiful that even getting lost didn't put a damper on the day.
![Dark money in Montana: Another GOP candidate admits taking illegal contributions](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/pat-wagman.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Dark money in Montana: Another GOP candidate admits taking illegal contributions
Another Montana politician accused of illegally accepting campaign contributions from corporations has admitted his guilt and agreed to pay a fine. Pat M. Wagman signed a settlement agreement in which he agreed to pay a civil fine of $19,599 by Oct. 1, and to pay $100 a day for every day after that if the fine is not paid in full.
![Montana Supreme Court denies Wittich appeal in campaign corruption case](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/art-wittich.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Montana Supreme Court denies Wittich appeal in campaign corruption case
The Montana Supreme Court has denied former state Sen. Art Wittich’s four-part appeal of his conviction on charges of violating Montana’s campaign finance laws.
![Prairie Lights: No easy fix for nation’s monumental dilemma](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/Helena-Fountain.png?w=980&q=75)
Prairie Lights: No easy fix for nation’s monumental dilemma
It will be argued that we can do both—tear down the monuments while building a better future. Maybe, but it is human nature to settle for the easy victory, to rest on our laurels. It is also human nature to revel in self-righteousness, to believe that the justice of our cause excuses any actions.
![At total eclipse, trying to describe the indescribable](http://townsquare.media/site/1098/files/2017/08/a25mgEclipse2Flat.jpg?w=980&q=75)
At total eclipse, trying to describe the indescribable
CASPER, Wyo. — Shortly after the total eclipse ended, my brother’s 9-year-old niece, Lily Litman, said, “That was literally the coolest thing I’ve seen in my entire life.” I’ve got a few years on Lily, but I would have to agree.