State hydrologists are optimistic about Montana’s deep mountain snowpack heading into spring runoff season which usually peaks this time of year at low and mid-elevations. As a whole streamflow forecasts across the state are near to slightly above average for the April 1st through July 31st period.
Daily COVID Numbers
Montana reached 354 known COVID-19 cases today with six deaths reported statewide and 36 hospitalizations. The state also reported 157 recoveries a number recently added at a website with COVID-19 information.
Billings – Coronoavirus Impacts the City
The City of Billings is trying to figure out the Coronavirus impact to its finances. Parking revenues have fallen flat. Airport activity is off as much as 75 to 80 percent over the past month. Furloughs are occurring for some Departments along with spending cuts.
Senator Tester Implores the Federal Task Force to address N95 Mask Shortfall
After Montana Health Officials notified the Federal Emergency Management Agency the state needs approximately 460,000 N95 masks, the Treasure State was promised 79,486. However, only 10,870 were delivered and that shortfall has Senator Jon Tester today imploring Vice President Mike Pence and the government’s Coronavirus Task Force to address i...
Helena – City Commission to Open City Manager Position in May
The Helena City Commission plans to consider candidates for the permanent City Manager position as soon as this summer. They expect to start advertising the job in May and narrow down the list of candidates in June to hold final interviews by July. Former City Manager Ana Cortez, who was hired in 2018, left her position in February. Melina Ree...
Healthcare Workers in Montana above the Per Capita National Average
A new report by Self Financial looks at the U.S. states with the most healthcare workers per capita. In Montana there are 43,260 total healthcare workers which works out to 4.07 for every 100 residents. Montana’s number of healthcare workers per capita is above the national average of 3.90.
Billings – Three Non-Tenured Teachers Let Go
Three non-tenured teachers were let go by Billings School Trustees Wednesday but a decision on a fourth teacher was pushed off for later. Under Montana law teachers can earn tenure in the fourth year in a district after which termination requires cause and is typically a lengthy process.
NE Montana Tribes Notified that 2 Healthcare Workers Tested Positive
Wednesday the Fort Peck and Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes said they were notified by Northeast Montana Health Services that two health care workers at the Riverside Family Clinic in Poplar have tested positive for COVID-19. Further details of these cases are not yet available.
Billings – REI Opening Postponed
Washington based outdoor retailer REI was set to open its first store in Billings this spring but the opening date has been postponed due to the ongoing pandemic. Employees who had been hired in Billings have had their offers rescinded. The new REI was set to employ 55 people.
MT Delegation Urges Trump Administration to help Care Facilities in Rural Area
Rural hospitals are facing a significant hit on average of 50 to 80 percent to their revenue streams since the outbreak of the COVID-19 outbreak. Montana’s Congressional Delegation is urging the Trump Administration to set funding aside specifically for facilities in rural areas. A $100 million emergency fund was allocated in the CARES A...