Briefs
Going-to-the-Sun Road closes early for season
Due to continued winter weather, the alpine sections of the Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park will remain closed for the season, the park said in a news release. Currently, visitors can drive 15.5 miles from the West Entrance to Avalanche Creek, and 13.5 miles from the St. Mary Entrance to Jackson Glacier Overlook. The […]
‘Cold War Montana’ author announces book tour
Noted historian and author Ken Robison will be on tour with his latest book, “Cold War Montana,” (Arcadia, paperback $23.99). His book chronicles Montana’s role in fighting communism and supporting the military, from the missile systems spread throughout the state to the soldiers — both male and female — who served during the Vietnam War. […]
Freedom to Vote Act topic of free League of Women Voters webinar
The League of Women Voters of Montana is hosting a free webinar “Freedom to Vote Act: What is it and What it Would Do” at 7 p.m., Oct. 12 The featured speaker is: Elizabeth Hira, Spitzer Fellow and Policy Counsel, of the Brennan Center for Justice. Hira’s work at the Brennan Center focuses on large-scale […]
Richard Spring Fire declared major disaster
The Richard Spring Fire has been declared a major disaster by the federal government meaning the state will receive federal aid to supplement state, tribal and local resources being used to offset widespread damage as a result of the fire. “This major disaster declaration is great news for the Northern Cheyenne Tribe and communities in […]
State panel recommends repairs to leaky sewers at state veterans’ home
A state commission tasked with allocating federal COVID-19 relief funds voted on Tuesday to recommend more than $1 million in improvements at the state veterans’ home in Columbia Falls, including for repairs to an aging sewer system that’s been leaking gas into residential quarters for months, according to a report from state officials. The Health […]
Park: Three Yellowstone wolves killed in first week of Montana’s hunting season
Yellowstone National Park wolf biologists report that the park’s Junction Butte Pack (27 wolves) lost three wolves to Montana hunters during the first week of Montana’s wolf hunting season, according to a news release from the park. Yellowstone said the Junction Butte Pack transcends Yellowstone’s northern range and is the most viewed wolf pack in […]
VA ‘Virtual Town Hall’ will answer questions about flu shots, COVID-19 vaccines
The Fort Harrison VA Medical Center will host a live town-hall event from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday for all veterans who want information about flu shots, COVID-19 updates, upcoming clinic openings as well as other issues like mental health and suicide prevention. The virtual town hall for veterans can be accessed by phone at […]
Injured black bear euthanized after vehicle collision in Glacier National Park
A black bear was euthanized by park rangers after the injured animal was discovered around 2 p.m. Sept. 23 along Going-to-the-Sun Road two miles east of Rising Sun, according to a news release Monday from Glacier National Park. An initial investigation by the National Park Service indicated the bear suffered unsurvivable traumatic injuries from contact […]
Hospitals hit 90 percent capacity, Lewis and Clark County reports 100 COVID-19 deaths
The Lewis and Clark County Health Department announced Wednesday that 100 county residents have died from COVID-19 complications and urged residents to increase public health precautions to slow the spread of infections. “Due to the recent uptick in cases in our community, Lewis and Clark Public Health urges residents and local businesses to act now […]
DOC announces hiring of new Public Safety Chief
Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office Jail Commander Jim Anderson will become the new public safety chief for the Montana Department of Corrections, the department announced in a news release on Tuesday. “Jim has the experience and skillset we are seeking for this position as we forge ahead with modernization of our corrections system,” said Deputy Director […]
Yellowstone: One man likely drowned, crews search for missing companion at Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park
Park search and rescue crews located the body of Mark O’Neill along the east shore of Shoshone Lake in Yellowstone National Park Monday, Sept. 20, Yellowstone National Park said in a news release Tuesday. In a brief phone call Tuesday, the park said O’Neill likely died by drowning. O’Neill, 67, from Chimacum, Washington, and his […]
Gov. Gianforte urges Biden to reopen U.S.-Canada Border
After the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Monday it again would extend the closure of the border between the U.S. and Canada for another month, Gov. Greg Gianforte urged President Joe Biden to fully reopen the northern border for trade and travel, the governor’s office said in a news release. “While our nation’s […]