In brief

| January 19, 2016 7:13 AM

Gas prices continue to fall

Average retail gasoline prices in Montana have fallen 5.3 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $1.91 per gallon yesterday, according to GasBuddy’s daily survey of 615 gas outlets in Montana. This compares with the national average that has fallen 6.5 cents per gallon in the last week to $1.90 per gallon, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Montana during the past week, prices yesterday were 8.7 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 18.8 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 10.0 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 15.9 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

Libby Dam flow update

Starting Tuesday, Jan. 19, flows will increase to 9,000 cfs and will be held at 9,500 kcfs Wednesday, Jan. 20 and Thursday, Jan. 21. Flows will ramp down to 4,000 cfs between Friday evening and Sunday morning (following ramping guidelines).

The January Water Supply forecast for WY 2016 was released on Jan. 7. The forecast of 6,249 KAF is 106 percent of average (based on 1981-2010), and corresponds to an end of January Flood Risk Management elevation of 2411 feet.

AARP Smart Driver course Feb. 23

The AARP Smart Driver course will be held at the Libby Christian Church from 8:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23. Call 283-7000 for a reservation.

IRS announces Free File

The Internal Revenue Service and Free File Alliance today announced the launch of Free File with many changes and updates for 2016, including more free state tax return options and easier Form W-2 imports.

For 2016, there are 13 brand-name tax software providers making their federal tax return products available for free. Taxpayers whose adjusted gross income was $62,000 or less during 2015 are eligible for at least one, if not more, of the 13 tax software products. The income limitation is $2,000 higher than last year. People can use Free File software immediately.

For taxpayers who earned more than $62,000, there’s Free File Fillable Forms, the electronic version of IRS paper forms.

“You don’t have to be an expert on taxes. Free File software can help walk you through the steps and help you get it right,” said John A. Koskinen, IRS Commissioner. “For 13 years, this partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance has helped taxpayers. The real winner in this partnership has been the nation’s taxpayers.”

Lindeen urges consumers to protect data after breach

Monica Lindeen, Montana’s Insurance Commissioner, is urging Montana consumers to be aware of how their personal information is collected, stored and used in the wake of a data breach at New West Health Services potentially impacting thousands of Montana customers.