The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
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*The headline of this story has been updated March 10, 2022 to better reflect the fact no revitalization plan exists. The original headline may have created or exacerbate that misperception. A Feb. 18 event aimed at re-introducing Envision Lincoln to the community and restarting conversations around downtown revitalization efforts drew a surprising turnout for a Tuesday gathering at mid-day, suggesting there is still significant interest in the economic and quality-of-life...
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:...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
The Lincoln School Board held an emergency meeting Sunday night to develop a response plan to Gov. Steve Bullock's order to shut down all K-12 public schools in the state for two weeks, as part of an effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. There are currently no reported cases of COVID-19 in Lincoln Schools or in Lincoln. There are currently six reported cases in the state, with two victims in Missoula County, one in Broadwater County, one in Gallatin County,...
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...
This month, Lincoln became the first unincorporated community in the state to become an affiliate member of the Montana Department of Commerce Montana Main Street Program. Last December, Envision Lincoln and Erin Farris-Olsen, the Rural Development Director for the Heart of the Rockies Initiative, worked with the Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce and Lewis and Clark County to apply for affiliate membership in the program as part of ongoing economic development efforts. Membership in Montana Main Street Program has been a...
The Dalton Mountain Road Bridge replacement project became a dominant topic of conversation at the March 6 Lincoln Government Day, Lewis and Clark County Public Works Director Eric Griffin fielding a variety of questions and comments following his regular update for the meeting. The chief concerns included the timeline of the project, which is now in the hands of the Montana Department of Transportation’s off-system bridge program and traffic and safety on Herrin Lakes R...
Montana WILD’s March programs are offered Mondays and Fridays at 4 p.m., with a different focus each week. Three programs are left for the month: March 16 and 20: Reptiles and Amphibians Some of the most underappreciated species in Montana, reptiles and amphibians, live all around us. Come learn about and meet turtles, snakes and salamanders. March 23 and 27: Turkey Vultures While their taste for dead, rotting animals can make them seem disgusting, turkey vultures are incredibly important to our ecosystems. *The Friday p...
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...
April 1 is Census Day in the United States, but self-response for the Census starts online tomorrow, March 12 and Lewis and Clark County Commissioner Andy Hunthausen again reminded people of the importance of filling out the census at the March 6 Lincoln Government Day Meeting. Hunthausen, a member of the Lewis and Clark County Complete Count committee, said households will be receiving an invitation to respond in the mail beginning March 12, with plans in place to reach...
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...
Groomed cross-country ski trails around the Lincoln School track and through Blackfoot Pathways: Sculpture in the Wild and the adjacent Forest Service property received an expansion onto private property this winter, providing greater access to Lincoln skiers and snowshoers. The Lincoln Outdoor Club works with the Lincoln Ranger District every year to groom trails for students to snow-shoe and cross-country ski on. "They have been terrific at keeping up with the trail maintena...
An immature bald eagle hit by a truck along Highway 200 two weeks ago is expected to make a full recovery following surgery to repair a bone in her left wing. A truck driver stopped at the Lincoln Ranger District, Thursday Feb. 20 to report that he'd hit the eagle near Arrastra Creek, about 13 miles west of Lincoln. Pat Shanley the District wildlife biologist, and Beach Hastings, the District's minerals administrator, headed down the canyon and found the bird alive and "ready...
Experience Montana history for free February 28-29 as the Montana Historical Society waives its admission fee during the two-day Leap of Kindness celebration. Be one of the first to experience the new “Good Beer Here” exhibit, which traces the path of Montana’s complicated yet longtime love affair with brewing beer. The exhibit walks visitors through the earliest brewing years, through prohibition, and the most recent explosion of microbrewing in Montana. It also explores the synergies between beer and agriculture as Monta...
The Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce held their annual meeting on Thursday, Feb. 13 and it was well-attended by community members. Former LVCC President, Laurie Richards led her final meeting, going over a variety of topics, before passing the torch to the new Chamber Board officers. The major discussions revolved around the new chamber website and the new board. The upgraded website, which has been under construction and is currently in beta mode, is expected go live in...
The Lincoln School Board held their regularly monthly meeting Feb. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln School Library. The meeting included updates about the open school board trustee position, upcoming student activities, athletics, and the school website. One petition has been submitted for the open school board trustee position currently held by Wendi Dietz. The petition filing deadline is Mar. 26, and if necessary, an election will be held May 5. Superintendent Jennifer Packer is...
Private Land/Public Wildlife Council to meet March 2-3 in Helena The Private Land/Public Wildlife Council will meet on March 2 and 3 in Helena at the Holiday Inn Express, 3170 N. Sanders Street. The council will meet from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on March 2 and from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on March 3. Public comment will be taken at 4:15 p.m. on March 2 and 1 p.m. on March 3. Council members will work to refine scoring criteria for the new public access land agreement program created in...
As the current license year is winding down, hunters and anglers can look for a few immediate changes for the coming year. The new license year starts on March 1, which means that is the day you can buy your 2020 hunting and fishing licenses and begin applying for permits and special licenses. The deadline to apply for deer and elk permits is April 1. Hunters should keep a couple of things in mind as they look to the application process for this year. First, this will be the...
A pair of incidents in the last month involving mountain lions in the Helmville area serves as a reminder that, while wolves and grizzlies may get the lion’s share of press, they’re not the only big carnivores around. The first call came Jan. 16, when personnel at Helmville School reported a dead deer hung up on a fence in the area. Lincoln-area Game Warden Ezra Schwalm found and removed the deer and followed lion tracks back to the road, where he lost them. He went to the school and asked them to give him a call back if the...
Jessie Royer claimed her fifth Race to the Sky win Monday night, crossing the finish line at Hi Country at 9:22, with 11 dogs. Royer left Lincoln Saturday afternoon, the last of the nine 300-mile teams to leave Hi Country, and was the first to reach Whitetail Ranch that afternoon, having passing all the teams that started ahead of her. Royer, who left Whitetail ranch for the last leg of the race at 3:19 p.m. Monday, set a determined pace and never gave up the lead. with...
Lewis and Clark County continues to work with the Montana Department of Transportation on plans to replace Dalton Mountain Road Bridge under MDT's off-system bridge program. During the Feb.7 Lincoln Government Day meeting, Lewis and Clark County road and bridge supervisor Kevin Horne said there was a meeting last month that brought all the players involved in the project together to begin the design process. An onsite meeting followed about three weeks ago. "It's not going to...
