Lewis and Clark County is reminding residents to be prepared for spring flooding and know the resources that are available and remember safety should always be a top priority during a flooding event. If COVID-19 is still a community concern people should practice social distancing protocols should they need to pick up water or sand. Health car...
Top Petroleum Corporation Files for Chapter 11
As the nation’s oil industry struggles to deal with record low oil prices and the coronavirus, one of the top producers in the Bakken filed for bankruptcy protection this week. Whiting Petroleum Corporation based in Denver decided Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection is the best path forward for the company. Whiting Petroleum has been involved in ...
East Helena – Truss Manufacturing Plant a Total Loss
An East Helena truss manufacturing plant owned by Casey Truss Company went up in flames during a fire that started late Thursday evening. The roughly 40 by 100 foot building was a total loss but no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Hamilton – Free Meals Program to Restart
Family Shelter of the Bitterroot will restart its successful free meals program Monday. They will be made and packaged to go by the Triple Creek Guest Ranch. Meal service starts at 5:30 in the afternoon and drive-through delivery will be available Monday through Friday at the Cornerstone Church in Hamilton.
Changes to the Ecomomic Outlook
The University of Montana’s Patrick Barkey saw no reason for a 2020 downturn last month when the economist crisscrossed Montana offering economic forecasts for the year. Now Main Street has shut down to minimize the spread of the coronavirus. According to Barkey what happens from this point basically depends on what we do next.
Beaverhead-Deer Lodge Forest Closes Sheridan Work Center
The Beaverhead-Deer lodge National Forest has closed the Sheridan Work Center in the Madison Ranger District following the retirement of Ernie Gilbert the information assistant who staffed the center. Forest Service maps and firewood permits are still available for purchase in Sheridan at the Sinclair Station on Main Street.
Missoula – Rental Assistance Available
People living and working in Missoula County can request up to $500 in rental assistance from a new emergency fund the Missoula County Board of Commissioners approved Thursday. It was created to help landlords and renters affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in an effort to alleviate some of the economic concerns. The rental assistance payment wi...
MT Above the National Average in Healthcare Workers Per Capita
A new report by Self Financial looks at state with the most healthcare workers per capita as COVID-19 strains healthcare systems. In Montana there are 43,260 total healthcare workers which amounts to 4.07 for every 100 residents. Montana’s number of healthcare workers per capita is above the national average of 3.90.
MDU Warns of Scams Targeting Customers
Montana-Dakota Utilities recently announced it has received several calls from customers notifying the company they were contacted by scammers demanding payment, offering discounts, or leaving a false callback number. MDU does not do that and is asking anyone receiving one of the phone calls or emails to call MDU immediately.
Senator Tester Wants Guard to Receive Active Duty Benefits
Senate Veterans’ Affairs Ranking Member Senator Jon Tester is urging the U.S. Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to work with states to mobilize all National Guard members responding to COVID-19 under the appropriate federal Title 32 duty status. That would make certain members of the Guard would receive the benefits and pay they have earned from...