Author: Brian Bennett

Butte – Food Bank Closing Lobby, but Still Distributing Food

The Butte Emergency Food Bank has closed its front door access to the lobby area and has been distributing pre-packaged boxes of goods to people needing food. The food pantry distributes food packages to about 3,000 individuals or 700 families in the Butte area each month but that number is expected to go up if shutdowns to prevent the spread ...

Coronavirus Impact on State’s Tourism Industry

Montana’s tourism-related businesses are feeling the strain of the coronavirus impact according to studies by researchers at the University of Montana released Tuesday. The businesses reporting the biggest hits were hotels and accommodations with nearly 50% of respondents in the category reporting cancellations due to fears of COVID-19 transm...

State President Scott Sales Pushing for Mail-In Ballot

State Senate President Scott Sales is suggesting shifting to a mail-ballot only primary as the safest option for Montana counties including voters and staff polling stations as volunteers and has urged Governor Steve Bullock to apply emergency powers to make it possible. Bullock’s staff has confirmed the governor spoke with Sales but said resp...

Kalispell – Kalispell Regional Healthcare Vice President Of Medical Affairs On Preparations For Coronavirus Outbreak

Dr. Doug Nelson Vice President of Medical Affairs on the executive team with Kalispell Regional Healthcare took to Facebook live Monday to answer questions from the social media audience as well as to inform Northwest Montana on what measures the hospital is taking to protect patients and healthcare providers from coronavirus. https://norther...

Great Falls – Malmstrom Declares Health Emergency

Malmstrom Air Force Base officials declared a public health emergency Friday announcing a dependent spouse had been tested for COVID-19. According to a press release Monday the test has since come back negative. Officials will continue to follow the declaration of a public health emergency.

Butte-Silver Bow – Closure of Bars, Restaurants, Casinos, Breweries, Distilleries, and Gyms

Butte-Silver Bow officials announced that bars restaurants casinos breweries distilleries and gyms within the county are now closed until Monday March 23rd at 8 o’clock in the morning. Hotels will remain open but if they have breakfast buffet areas they will be closed. Grocery stores and convenience stores will remain open. The closures to try...