Lake County Sheriff’s deputy Ross Holcomb of Ronan was found dead in his home Saturday according to Lake County Sheriff Donald Bell in a press release issued Sunday. The Missoula County Coroner’s Office is investigating the death. A preliminary investigation indicates suicide. Ross served the Lake County Sheriff’s Office since June 2017. He w...
Billings – Building Permits Up
In March, the City of Billings issued 554 building permits worth a total of $21,436,788 in construction value. According to the Big Sky Journal that brought the year to date number to 1028 compared to 252 last year. Last March 118 permits were issued.
Bozeman – Library Adds to Virtual Services
The Bozeman Public Library is adding to its virtual services online after being temporarily physically closed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The library has also extended the due date for materials checked out before the shutdown to May 31st and it may be extended further.
Governor Extends Federal Food Assistance
Governor Steve Bullock has announced he will extend Federal Food Assistance to more than 100,000 Montanans in the coming days and weeks. He’ll increase food supplies at emergency food pantries and food banks and streamline nutrition assistance for new mothers and children.
BCBS Contributes $1 Million to Support Health Care Access
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana is contributing $1 million to support community action and health care access across the state in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 Community Collaborative Grant Fund was established to provide support in areas where communities need it most such as social services access to care food securi...
Billings Business Mountain Mudd Expresso First State Recipient Of Paycheck Protection Program Funds
The nationwide rollout of the $349 billion Paycheck Protection Program is underway and the owner of Mountaina Mudd Espresso in Billings appears to be the first business owner in Montana to qualify meaning 50 employees will continue to get paid for the next eight weeks and the crew will likely stay intact after the coronavirus pandemic ends. Se...
MT State Fund Defers Premium Payments
Montana State Fund has announced that policyholders impacted by COVID-19 will have the flexibility to defer premium payments on their workers’ compensation insurance without cancellation of their policy through June 30th. No cancellations will occur during this period unless requested by the policyholder.
Browning – Dog Rescue Organization Sees an Increase In Drop Offs
Leetta Gobert’s Rez Dog Rescue Home just outside of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation helps dogs find homes and takes in abused animals and nurses them back to health. The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic are taking a toll on her efforts. Some people have been dropping their dogs off at her place because they are afraid of contracting COVID-19 ...
Hamilton – Bitter Root Brewing Joins in the Efforts to Produce Hand Sanitizer
In Hamilton Bitter Root Brewing and Higherground Brewing have joined forces to produce hand sanitizer in hopes of keeping those on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis safer. The first batch is going to first responders like the sheriff’s office an police department as well as local nursing home facilities.
Hutterite Colony Assisting in Production of Masks
With facemasks in short supply for healthcare workers many people have turned to making them in order to help including the Miller Hutterite Colony near Choteau. They’re knocking out 775 masks every two days.