FCC documents show some internet providers struggling to bring service to Montana
Federal Communications Commission documents show internet service providers are struggling to bring high-speed connectivity to Montanans. According to the state’s broadband map vast swaths of central and eastern Montana are considered underserved. It’s estimated nearly a quarter of Montanans do not have an internet subscription of any kind.
Public health officials plan for possible measles outbreaks as students head back to school
After a measles outbreak in Texas and 31 confirmed cases in Montana this year public health officials are preparing for a back-to-school season that could potentially see the spread of the contagious disease. The cases are the first in Montana since 1990. To achieve herd immunity around 95% of a population needs to be vaccinated.
Roemer touts infrastructure investments to federal lawmakers
Recent infrastructure improvements to Glacier National Park were on display during this week’s Western Caucus Foundation’s summer policy meeting. The event brought representatives and senators from across the United States to Northwest Montana to discuss issues related to public land management ranging from grizzly bears to timber harvest to wildfire prevention. Park Superintendent Dave Roemer offered members a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to manage public lands by highlighting several recent infrastructure repair projects funded through the Great American Outdoors Act.
Montana increases wolf hunting quotas and tags per person
The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission made updates to wolf hunting and trapping in Big Sky Country Thursday. It increased the number of wolves that can be harvested statewide by 37% from 334 to 458. The commission also increased the tag limit of animals harvested per person to 15 wolves hunted and 15 wolves trapped from the current limit of 10 for each.
Two water customers sue Montana Resources mine alleging water fouling
A class-action lawsuit was filed in Butte-Silver Bow District Court this week against Montana Resources. The suit claims the plaintiffs Amanda Longfield and Eric Jozovich and others were severely inconvenienced incurring costs buying bottled water and suffered anxiety mental anguish and emotional distress because of alleged contamination of the municipal water supply by its copper and molybdenum mine in Butte.
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Flathead County commissioners signed off on a 1,700-acre deluxe resort in Lakeside Thursday. The members-only resort backed by Arizona-based Discovery Land Company is planned to include two golf courses a fitness center spa restaurants and 359 residential lots set to be built west of U.S. 93 near Blacktail Mountain.
The Missoula Redevelopment Agency approved spending up to $1.6 million for a new playing field at Ogren Park at Allegiance Field Thursday. A lease agreement for the site must still be approved and it remains unclear about how a maintenance agreement can be made for the site. No decision was made over whether the field will be turf or natural grass.
Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has reappointed Scott Aspenlieder and Garret McFarland to the state’s Gaming Advisory Council. It was stablished in 1989 to provide guidance on public policy matters related to gaming including amendments to gambling statutes rule modifications oversight of the Gambling Control Division and clarifications of existing regulations.
Thursday Bozeman city officials celebrated the opening of a below-market rate apartment development in the midtown area. The Westlake Heights apartments off of North Third Avenue include 216 one two three and four-bedroom units and are dedicated to those making between 50% and 70% of area median income. Tenants so far include someone who moved out of a local shelter and a person who was formally urban camping in the city.
The Big Sky School District board has approved policy 3630 which bans cell phone use during the school day. Starting Monday students will fill the halls of Ophir Elementary Ophir Middle and Lone Peak High School without sounds of text pings. The first infraction requires the student to do a reflection in the front office and further infractions require detention.
