Even though the Montana Science Center in Bozeman is closed, the Science Center’s 3D printer is up and running making printed respiratory masks. Using rolls of filament which cost between $20 and $25 a roll, one roll can print about 20 masks bringing the total cost for one to about $1.
DPPHS Exploring Ways to Assist Childcare Facilities
More than 160,000 K through 12 students suddenly lost their regular source of daytime supervision when schools statewide closed. The Montana Department of Health and Human Services is monitoring childcare closures and recommending that individual providers decide on the best course of action. The Department is exploring many policy options to ...
Glendive – Public Comment Sought on Makoshika
Montana State Parks is seeking public comment on a draft Environmental Assessment for a proposed Makoshika State Park Water Line Project located in Glendive. Comments will be accepted through Friday afternoon May 1st at 5 o’clock. Makoshika State Park is the largest park in the Montana State Park system consisting of over 13,000 acres.
Crow – Checkpoints in Place
Checkpoints have been set up on the Crow Indian Reservation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in tribal communities. One checkpoint is to stop out of state residents from entering tribal land. Another is to determine the nature of business someone might have coming onto Crow Tribal Land and if the business is recreational they’ll be asked to t...
Job Loss Projections Expected to be Large in Montana
The Economic Policy Institute says Montana could suffer the third highest percentage of job losses due to COVID-19 closures in the nation. The Big Sky Journal reports even with the stimulus bill Montana could lose as many as 18,230 jobs by summer.
Governor Increases Legal Weight of Commercial Vehicles
Governor Steve Bullock has implemented actions to increase the ability of commercial motor carrier vehicles to ensure a supply of food medical supplies farm inputs and feed and hay during the coronavirus pandemic. The Directive allows a 10% increase in the legal weight of commercial vehicles but does not require or allow fatigued drivers to op...
Great Falls – City Manager Suspends RV City Code
By executive order Great Falls City Manager Greg Doyon has suspended a city code that prohibits residing in an RV on private property or public right of way. The intent is to allow emergency workers health care providers or residents to care for a family member while not residing in the same dwelling or to self-isolate and minimize family expo...
Amid COVID-19, High Speed Internet Gap is Closing
With coronavirus forcing sweeping school closures Montana’s is out until at least until April 10th and with abrupt orders to shift to remote learning the status of internet access for teachers and students has come home to roost. Major strides have been made to in ensuring schools have high speed internet. A 2019 report declared the classroo...
Bozeman – Parks and Trails Ballots will still be Mailed on May 5th
The City of Bozeman’s proposal for a new fee in the form of a citywide parks and trails district will likely still be with May 5th ballots amidst the coronavirus pandemic. The city passed the Feb. 20th deadline to remove an issue from a special district election which they wanted to do. The Gallatin County Elections Department is due to begin ...
Department of Revenue has Mailed Notices to Manufactured Home Owners
The Montana Department of Revenue has mailed notices to property owners of mobile and manufactured homes that are assessed separately from the land on which they are located. The notice is not a tax bill. County treasurers calculate and bill property owners for their 2020 general property taxes based upon the values shown on the notices.