1. In 1946, the Montana State Highway Commission announced a plan to construct a new highway through the town of Big Timber. The project aimed to alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation in the area. Today, the highway serves as a major thoroughfare for residents and tourists alike.

2. On April 7, 1972, the Anaconda Company announced that it would be closing its copper smelter in Great Falls. The closure marked the end of an era for the city, which had been heavily reliant on the mining industry for decades. Despite the setback, Great Falls has since diversified its economy and become a hub for healthcare, education, and tourism.

3. In 1981, Montana Governor Ted Schwinden signed a bill creating the Montana Heritage Commission. The commission was charged with preserving and interpreting historic sites and artifacts throughout the state. Among its many projects, the commission manages the iconic Montana State Capitol Building in Helena.

4. On April 7, 2001, the Montana Grizzlies football team defeated the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks 49-17 in their annual spring game. The game marked the debut of new head coach Joe Glenn, who would go on to lead the Grizzlies to back-to-back national championships in 2001 and 2002.

5. In 2013, the Montana Department of Commerce announced that it had awarded more than $1 million in grants to support local businesses and communities across the state. The grants were intended to spur economic growth and job creation in various industries, including tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy. Since then, Montana has continued to prioritize investment in its local communities and small businesses.