Briefs
Mask mandate eliminated for Montana University System
The Montana University system is removing its mask mandate policy, according to a Friday memo from the Commissioner of Higher Education. “Campuses should consult relevant authorities and guidance at the local, state and federal levels when developing any ongoing guidance related to masks,” said the memo. The memo stated the sunsetting of that requirement and […]
Avalanche on Going-to-the-Sun Road traps bikers; no injuries
Three bikers were rescued after being trapped behind an avalanche reported 6:30 p.m. Thursday near Triple Arches on Going-to-the-Sun Road, the park said Friday in a news release. “Three bikers, a husband and wife along with a friend, traveling up the road encountered an avalanche across the road, turned around and started back down,” the […]
Gianforte announces judicial search committee; ousted judge says she will apply to old job
Gov. Greg Gianforte has chosen 10 people with backgrounds ranging from law enforcement to public school administration to help identify and evaluate applicants for the judicial vacancy in Cascade County. The Eighth Judicial Vacancy was created after the Senate’s historic decision not to confirm acting Judge Michele Reinhart Levine on April 23. Depriving the district […]
DPHHS asking for Montanans to participate in arthritis survey
Department of Public Health and Human Services officials are conducting a survey to learn more about how arthritis impacts the lives of Montanans. DPHHS Arthritis Program Manager Melissa Dale said the program is partnering with the Arthritis Foundation to learn more about challenges and limitations that Montanans face who are living with arthritis. The Arthritis […]
Supreme Court will decide SB140 on briefing
The Montana Supreme Court said the entire court will decide the fate of Senate Bill 140 on the briefings that have been filed. The controversy, which arose the day after Gov. Greg Gianforte signed SB140, will be decided without oral arguments. Oral arguments are something the court holds when there are remaining questions that briefings […]
Gianforte taps current head of agriculture to lead ARPA spending efforts
Gov. Greg Gianforte has selected Mike Foster — current executive director of the Montana Department of Agriculture — to oversee the allocation of more than $1.5 billion of funds received by the state through the American Rescue Plan Act, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office. “A proven, trusted leader, Mike will direct […]
Gianforte signs $275 million broadband bill
Gov. Greg Gianforte signed an ambitious, federally funded broadband expansion package Tuesday, enacting a $275 million investment with pledges to close Montana’s digital divide and shake its slump as one of the least connected states in the country. The bill, SB297, leverages COVID-19 aid dollars available from the federal American Rescue Plan Act to improve […]
New initiative will allow Canadian truckers to receive COVID-19 vaccination in Montana
Around 2,000 Canadian truck drivers will be eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations in Montana starting on May 10 thanks to a deal brokered between Montana and its northern neighbor Alberta, according to a news release put out by Gov. Greg Gianfrote’s office. Gianforte and Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the deal is essential to keeping […]
NorthWestern Energy asks public to report osprey building nests on power lines
Osprey nests can cause power outages and even fires, and their proximity to energized equipment puts the birds at risk of electrocution, NorthWestern Energy said in a news release. The company said it has installed hundreds of platforms to maintain service reliability and to provide a safe place for ospreys to raise their offspring. This […]
Entry tickets for Glacier National Park are available
Earlier this month, Glacier National Park announced the decision to implement a Going-to-the-Sun Road temporary ticketed entry system for the 2021 season. The tickets were available starting April 29 at 8 a.m. on recreation.gov. The system will require visitors to set up an account on www.Recreation.gov and obtain a vehicle entry reservation ticket ($2 nonrefundable fee) […]
Wald appointed to serve in place of Chief Justice McGrath
The Montana Supreme Court has ordered that Judge Matthew Wald of the Twenty-Second Judicial District, which includes Big Horn County, has been appointed to serve in place of Chief Justice Mike McGrath in the case of Senate Bill 140, which will determine how judges are appointed in Montana. Wald has been appointed to replace Kurt […]
Commerce Department awards 26 grants statewide
The Montana Department of Commerce today announced $750,000 in Tourism Grant Award funding to strengthen local economies in 26 communities by enhancing tourism and recreation assets. The awards will serve 35 tourism and recreation projects across Montana, including unincorporated small towns, rural communities and areas of known attractions to non-resident visitors. “Montana boasts world-class tourism […]