Grange practices old values to meet new challenges

For 136 years, the Grange has lobbied for rural interests.

For instance, the Grange pushed for those flashing lights you see on the rear of school buses, and free rural mail delivery.

It lobbied for rural electrification.

There’s Grange insurance.

But Granges across the country have closed and memberships have declined.

Changing rural needs create new challenges.

“We can help communities change with the times and improve themselves,” said Montana state Grange president Scott Nicholson.

Nicholson travels the state and nation representing Montana’s rural interests.