The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
Sorted by date Results 1 - 14 of 14
Lewis and Clark Public Health announced Thursday that public and private developed campgrounds in the county may reopen beginning Friday, May 1. Health Officer Drenda Niemann rescinded the order she issued two weeks ago, which closed some campgrounds as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “We’ve heard loud and clear that some people in our community want to be responsible for their own personal health choices,” Niemann said. “Given that state campgrounds are reopening this weekend, we’ve decided to give them...
Who's tired of hearing about coronavirus? The last few weeks have been a challenge for everyone, with so many stories, so much uncertainty and myriad updates from every corner revolving around COVID-19. We hope the reopening of the state will inch us toward something resembling normal, and we're looking forward to covering stories that aren't centered around coronavirus. Nevertheless, we recognize we're far from seeing the end of the pandemic, and we may see restrictions...
As Gov. Steve Bullock's COVID-19 related stay-home directives begin to be lifted, many, but not all, Lincoln area businesses are ready to reopen their doors. Several restaurants, including the Montanan, Wheel Inn and Lincoln Pit Stop, have continued to provide curbside pickup meals during the closure. Laurie Richards, from the Wheel Inn, said, "It's been going better than expected. We've had so much support from not only the locals, but our weekend people that have cabins...
Lewis and Clark County Commission Chair Susan Good Geise will be in Lincoln Friday, May 1, for the first Lincoln Government Day meeting since COVID-19 restrictions impacted local meeting schedules. With the continued closure of the Lincoln Library, the meeting is scheduled at the Lincoln Community Hall at 10:30 a.m. Giese opted for the in-person meeting to ensure she can hear from Lincoln residents who may not have access to online meeting services. She said the community...
Lincoln School may continue distance learning for the remainder of the school year, following a school board discussion at their April 20 meeting and a recommendation developed by the staff after Governor Steve Bullock announced an easing of the directives that closed schools statewide in March. In an email update to parents on Friday, Apr 24, Packer wrote: "With all this, we have decided to recommend to the board that we finish the year out on-line. We are doing this for the...
Lewis & Clark Library and branch libraries including Lincoln will remain closed to patrons until further notice to ensure the safety of staff and patrons, and to give Library staff time to prepare procedures for a return to services. The Library and Library branches will begin to phase in non-contact holds pickup, and Bookmobile stops are being suspended until further notice. The Library will begin the process of offering curb-side holds pick up at the Augusta, East Helena,...
People looking to get outside and enjoy spring will continue to have ample opportunities with Gov. Steve Bullock's phased approach to re-opening the state, which was announced Wednesday. Most of Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' sites typically open and operational at this time of year remain so. This includes all FWP fishing access sites, most state parks and those wildlife management areas that don't have seasonal closures. People heading outside still need to keep in mind Mon...
During this coronavirus pandemic, access to accurate and trustworthy information in your community is as critical to life under quarantine and as sought after as hand sanitizer and face masks. Your local newspaper provides the news and information unique to your community. Where are the testing sites and who's eligible, which businesses are open, what is the local online unemployment benefit application process, and much more. But your access to local news and information is...
Under the Gov. Steve Bullock’s plan to reopen the state, churches began meeting again beginning Sunday, April 26 and many Upper Blackfoot Valley churches took the opportunity to return to in-person services. The Blackfoot Valley Bible Church held services Sunday. Pastor Art McCafferty said he called congregation members to let them know about required social distancing measures and to let them know that “there would be no greeting, no hand-shaking.” He added that members were instructed to sit only with their immediate famil...
Being self-quarantined for the last few weeks has given a lot of people a lot of time to think about things, like the end of the world, how they'll survive, and of course, the apocalypse. Recently, there has also been an uptick of Facebook posts pertaining to surviving without normal necessities like a grocery store, clothing boutiques, pet stores, yarn shops – the list goes on – and building an apocalyptic team. Everyone has their strengths and ways to contribute to an apo...
Often on my travels up Stemple to get firewood or to just go for a drive, I pass by the little red cabin where I first lived when I first moved to Lincoln in the early 90's. It's that first little place on the left after you cross the bridge over the Blackfoot River. Each time I drive by I have a different memory of it. Back when I lived there it was owned by Jackie Schmutzler. When I had first moved in, I did not have a pet until I think his name was Don Bergum - my memory...
During these insane days of government overreach, medical hysteria and misinformation, bogus computer models, consistency in the lies and attacks from communist groups both outside and within the U.S.A. I have marveled at the willingness of the people to give up their freedoms and economic power. If there is one thing I have learned from these days, it is that none of us have all the knowledge, information and answers for even the smallest of the world's problems. Throw in a...
The Lincoln Community Garden is ready for spring and getting ready to open for the season. Gardeners have already been starting seeds at home and are waiting for the greenhouse to officially open and the weather to warm up outside. This year, the garden is looking to expand outside plots to allow more people in the community access to growing their own fruits and vegetables. Outside plots are available for $25. The garden is also offering space for those with personal...
Lewis and Clark County adopted a modified version of Gov. Steve Bullock’s guidelines for easing restrictions related to COVID-19, following Bullocks’ April 22 announcement of a three-phased approach to reopening schools and businesses statewide. Bullocks stay-at-home and school closure directives, issued in mid-March, expired April 24. “Once we begin to reopen, we want to be able to stay open. Our personal responsibility to protect those around us –particularly those most vulnerable –remains just as important as any time duri...
