The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
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Life may now seem turned upside down by coronavirus and the recent school closure and event cancellations, but Alpine Artisans would like to encourage parents and high school seniors to think positive. Does your K-12 student want to attend a summer camp in music, drama or any part of the arts? Are you a graduating senior who is interested in majoring or minoring in any aspect of the arts? AAI is interested in helping you! Since 1995, AAI has awarded more than 23 senior scholar...
Helena -- The Lewis and Clark County Board of County Commissioners today voted unanimously to request the June 2, 2020 Primary Election be conducted by mail ballot in accordance with a directive issued by the Governor last week. Under normal circumstances, the June 2 Primary election would be a polling place election. In a polling place election, ballots are only mailed to voters who have signed up to receive absentee ballots; voters who haven't signed up for an absentee... Full story
Governor Steve Bullock today announced a Directive that allows Montana hospitals and related facilities to receive financing to remain open and acquire the supplies needed to respond to COVID-19. “For weeks both urban and rural hospitals have served on the frontlines of this crisis and they need our support to continue protecting Montanans,” Governor Bullock said. “Today’s Directive offers resources to keep hospital doors open, purchase supplies, and will ensure health care workers provide lifesaving care across the state.” G... Full story
The Montana Department of Revenue is warning all Montanans to watch out for scams related to the recently announced federal stimulus package. With recent news of direct payments to Americans based on their 2018 or 2019 tax information, scammers are already contacting individuals, and especially tax preparers, by phone, email, and text, trying to solicit personal, financial and tax information that can be used for identity theft and financial fraud. "It's tragic that even... Full story
As a reminder to stay safe during the COVID-19 pandemic, social distancing guidelines should be followed at all Fish, Wildlife & Parks sites. Keep your distance from fellow recreators. FWP has closed group-use sites. This includes all fishing piers at Montana state parks, fishing access sites and wildlife management areas due to the risk of high congregation. While state parks, fishing access sites and a few wildlife management areas (check for seasonal closures) remain open... Full story
March 14, 2020 – NorthWestern Energy activated a company-wide plan to address the implications of the COVID 19 outbreak while providing reliable energy service for our customers in Nebraska, South Dakota and Montana. Our business continuity and pandemic plans are designed to protect people and ensure energy operations and infrastructure are supported properly. “NorthWestern Energy is prepared and we will continue to provide you with reliable, safe energy service as we all work together through this,” said NorthWestern Energ... Full story
HELENA, Montana (March 26, 2020) - The health and safety of visitors, as well as Forest Service employees and volunteers, is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to meet the guidelines for cleaning and to promote social distance per CDC guidelines and Governor Bullock's recent Executive Orders to help reduce the spread of the virus. To support these efforts, effective immediately, all Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest campgrounds, day use sites and... Full story
HELENA, Mont. (March 26, 2020) - Personal firewood cutting will be free to the general public from April 1 through June 1, 2020, on the Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. No permit will be required during this time. Woodcutters can take up to 12 cords of firewood for personal use. A cord is the amount of tightly piled wood in a stack four feet high by four feet wide by eight feet long. Personal use firewood cutting allows you to remove downed timber or to cut standing...
Montanans are lucky to have so many opportunities to get outdoors and recreate, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. And while Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks encourages recreation outside, we also encourage careful planning and prudence. The safety of the public and FWP staff is of utmost concern. As a reminder, social distancing guidelines should be followed at all FWP sites. Keep your distance from fellow recreators. If a parking lot at a fishing access site or state par... Full story
Governor Steve Bullock today announced emergency rules March 17 to make unemployment benefits accessible to workers laid off due to COVID-19 and waive the typical one week waiting period before receiving benefits. “The rules we’ve implemented today will ensure that workers impacted by COVID-19, whether it’s because they’ve been laid off, are quarantined, or need to take care of a family member, can do so without worrying about how they will make ends meet during these difficult times,” Governor Bullock said. “We will continue... Full story
Governor Steve Bullock today issued a directive to extend closures of public schools and dine-in food service and alcoholic beverage businesses through April 10 and mandate social distancing measures to slow the spread of COVID-19 in Montana. "Montanans have an obligation to slow the spread of this virus. Our fellow Montanans can all continue to set a good example for each other in adhering to social distancing directives – and know that it will save lives," Governor B... Full story
SACRAMENTO, Calif., March 21 – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to all Montana small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA disaster assistance is now available in all counties within the state of Montana and the neighboring counties below. Neighboring Idaho counties: Bonner, Boundary, Clark, C... Full story
Lewis and Clark Public Health Officer Drenda Niemann today extended until March 31 an order closing some food, drink, and fitness establishments in Lewis and Clark County. She also expanded the order to include theaters, churches, and other faith-based gatherings. The original order, issued Monday and effective until March 23, specifically applied to bars, breweries, distilleries, casinos, restaurants, fitness centers, athletic centers, gyms, and workout studios. It exempted f... Full story
Lewis and Clark Public Health confirmed on Friday the first case of COVID-19 in a county resident. The man, in his 30s, has been instructed to remain isolated at home until he has fully recovered. The health department will release no other identifying information about the patient to protect his privacy in keeping with federal law. "We wish this gentleman our best and hope he makes a quick and complete recovery," said Drenda Niemann, health officer. "Our nurses will be interv... Full story
In accordance with guidelines for social distancing related to COVID-19 and to protect the public as well as staff, Fish, Wildlife & Park strongly encourages hunters and anglers to make licensing purchases online at fwp.mt.gov. For those who need assistance with their purchase, please call the FWP licensing center at 406-444-2950 or your regional or area office: Region 1 (Kalispell): 752-5501 Region 2 (Missoula): 542-5500 Region 3 (Bozeman): 577-7900 Helena Area Office:... Full story
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Montana small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Steve B... Full story
State Motor Vehicle Division Announces Changes in Response to COVID-19 HELENA – Attorney General Tim Fox and Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) Administrator Sarah Garcia announced changes and issued an important reminder for Montana’s drivers and vehicle owners today. Fox working with governor’s office to extend driver license expiration dates For all driver licenses due to expire in March, April, or May of 2020, Fox and his staff are working with the governor’s office on the possibility of an executive order extending the ren... Full story
Governor Steve Bullock today announced a set of directives and guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable Montanans, including closing of public K-12 schools, social distancing measures, and limiting visitation at nursing home facilities. “As governor, it is my top priority to protect the health and safety of Montanans, particularly our most vulnerable, at a time when we face the potential for extraordinary health risks from coronavirus in our state,” said Governor Bullock. “Social distancing is one of th... Full story
The Lewis and Clark Public Health Officer issued an order Monday afternoon closing most food, drink, and fitness establishments in Lewis and Clark County, beginning at 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 17. The order specifically applies to bars, breweries, distilleries, casinos, restaurants, fitness centers, athletic centers, gyms, and workout studios. It exempts food establishments that provide drive-through, delivery, or pick-up services. Sit-down dining is prohibited. The order was... Full story
MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency to exist within the state of Montana related to the communicable disease COVID-19 novel coronavirus. The emergency order puts the state on highest alert; still no confirmed cases in the state. “Now is the time to plan, not to panic. Our state has been preparing for coronavirus to come to Montana and we will be prepared to respond all along the way,” said Governor Bullock. “Just like we do when any challenging situation hits our com... Full story
Montana residents who are off-highway vehicle operators are required to purchase a Resident OHV Trail Pass. The pass, which costs $20, can be purchased from many local vendors or online at http://stateparks.mt.gov/recreation/ohvProgram.html. The pass is required on all public lands where Montana residents ride OHVs on designated motorized routes and trails. The pass must be attached and visible on the OHV. The pass is valid for up to two calendar years, expiring on Dec. 31 of the second year of purchase. In addition to the...
HELENA – Attorney General Tim Fox cautioned Montanans today about coronavirus-related scams that have been emerging in other parts of the country, and urged them to be aware of potential impacts to their financial health as well. “Scammers are taking advantage of coronavirus fears in other parts of the country, and it’s important to be wary of con artists who want to capitalize on the uncertainty that accompanies this time of heightened concern,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “Montanans should be cautious of bogus claims fo...
Helena – Lewis and Clark County Commissioners today issued a County Public Health Emergency Declaration in response to the COVID-19 epidemic occurring across the United States. Lewis and Clark Public Health (LCPH), along with other local health services and stakeholders, have been proactively preparing for the virus to reach Montana. While there are still no confirmed cases in Lewis & Clark County*, local officials expect it is only a matter of time. This declaration allows t... Full story
Department of Public Health and Human Services officials are requesting nominations for the 2020 Emergency Medical Services awards to be announced later this year. DPHHS Director Sheila Hogan said the department looks forward to honoring Montana's first responders. "These dedicated Montanans are there for all of us each and every day when help is needed the most," she said. "This is an opportunity for these heroes to be recognized for their life-saving efforts." DPHHS seeks...
The Montana Department of Revenue warns all residents to be aware of numerous scams and frauds related to their tax information and potential refunds. "Most Montanans are honest and trust others to be honest too, but unfortunately criminals around the world target our taxpayers and their personal information," said Gene Walborn, director of the Montana Department of Revenue. "A little bit of caution and awareness can go a long way to protecting your information and making...
