The Montana Independent Living Project in is a non-profit which promotes independence for those living with disabilities. The organization has canceled its Derby for Disability Fundraiser but is still selling raffle tickets to an all-expense paid trip to the 2021 Kentucky Derby. This year’s trip had to be canceled because the 2020 Kentucky Der...
Missoula – UM Long Range Plan Includes New Forestry Building
The University of Montana College of Forestry is one of the oldest academic programs in the West and has been in its current building since 1923. UM has included a new forestry building in its long-range building plans and it will take its funding to the state Legislature next year. The new home is expected to be built from cross laminated t...
Hamilton – County Commission Reopens County Offices on Limited Basis
The Ravalli County Commission has decided to reopen most county buildings to the public with some limits starting today. Some offices are open to only one person at a time to ensure social distancing requirements under Governor Steve Bullock’s Phase 1 directive are followed. Congregating is not allowed in any of the common areas in county offi...
Glacier Park – Remains Closed
Glacier National Park has been closed for over a month because of the coronavirus pandemic and at this point it appears it will remain closed until at least the end of May which a phased opening sometime after that. Reopening the park will be a joint decision with state tribal and local officials. Presently about 160 people are working in the ...
Great Falls – County/City Offices Start Re-Opening
The Cascade County Treasurer’s Office has resumed normal operating hours and the City of Great Falls’ Park and Recreation Department is reopening. A limited number of appointments will continue to be scheduled. Walk-in clients will be accommodated to the extent that the six foot social distancing requirement can be maintained.
Trees Planted to Honor UM Graduates
Seedlings are being planted in the Flathead National Forest on the 3,600 acre Bandy Ranch dedicated to the University of Montana graduates for 2020 in lieu of a commencement ceremony halted by the global outbreak of COVID-19. The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation which operates a nursery in Missoula secured around 2,100 ...
Behavioral Health Struggles Statewide
Behavioral health providers across the state are finding that difficulties introduced by COVID-19 have created a precarious situation for people struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol but how much Montanans have been imbibing during the pandemic is hard to gauge. Market research firm Nielsen reported a 55% increase countrywide in alcoho...
Missoula – Public Library Offers Limited Lending
The Missoula Public Library is now offering limited lending and curbside service to resume at its downtown branch. Returning items is still prohibited for the foreseeable future and until the library works through a plan for safe returns.
Economic Impact Payment Deadline Wednesday
The Internal Revenue Service says those wanting a quicker Economic Impact Payment should act fast as the deadline to enter direct deposit information is set. People should use the Get My Payment tool by noon Wednesday to check on payment status and when available provide direct deposit information.
Billings – New Construction on Fast-Paced Increase in First Quarter
New construction in Billings during the first four months of 2020 happened at a faster pace by a significant margin that it was last year. From January to April the Magic City saw $99 million in new residential and commercial construction remodels and additions fencing and roofing project. That’s $34.3 million more than n 2019.