News

BW Lodge renovation to extend through summer

Demolition and renovation of BW Lodge gym has begun, with officials working on mapping out how the majority of work will get done this summer.

DOL proposes Designated Surveillance Area boundary adjustment in Madison County

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The Montana Department of Livestock (DOL) is proposing a change to the boundary of the Designated Surveillance Area (DSA) for brucellosis. The proposed administrative rule change is in response to the discovery of two brucellosis exposed elk in the Ruby Mountains, outside of the current DSA boundary. The boundary adjustment will ensure that cattle and domestic bison at risk of exposure to infected wildlife are included in disease surveillance efforts. A public comment period is open until 5:00 p.m. on June 18, 2020.

PIMA reopened Dillon campus on Monday

Pima Medical Institute has announced its Dillon campus reopened on Monday. Faculty, staff and students will follow all state and county health guidelines in relation to COVID-19, and those returning to campus are expected to adhere to the Pima Medical Institute Code of Conduct. Pima Medical offers the only accredited veterinary technician program in the state of Montana, in partnership with the University of Montana Western. The current student population includes a small number of students, who will be staggered in both morning and afternoon classes.

Youth Challenge explores options to reopen

The Director of the Montana Youth Challenge Academy with input from the University of Montana Western and Beaverhead County Public Health officials, announced today they are exploring options to resume operations. The organizations have been working cooperatively to ensure the safety and security of the MYCA cadets and staff, UMW Campus and the Dillon community.

BCHS approves staffing, teacher contracts

Beaverhead County High School’s board approved a number of housekeeping items at its May 11 meeting, including both hiring and retaining a number of staff members.

Montana moving to phase 2 reopening, gatherings up to 50 people

Gatherings of up to 50 people will begin to be allowed June 1, as Montana moves into Phase 2 of its reopening plan for the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Steve Bullock announced the phase progression in a press call Tuesday.

Physical distancing will continue to be required, as will stepped up disinfection and sanitation protocols. Vulnerable populations are asked to continue to isolate. Nursing and assisted living homes will continue to operate under Phase 1 guidelines, with no visitors (except in compassionate care situations).

Half a million masks secured for health care workers

HELENA – Montana received a shipment of 500,000 N95 masks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) May 18, to be stored at the state warehouse.

"I’m grateful that FEMA and our federal partners assisted in getting the supplies we need to continue to mitigate the virus and I will continue to push for a consistent supply to support our ongoing efforts," Gov. Steve Bullock said. "The masks we secured today will ensure our health care workers, who are the backbone of the fight against COVID-19, have what they need to safely do their jobs."

Energy assistance program extended for pandemic

HELENA – An additional $5 million in federal CARES Act funding will be available for Montanans struggling to afford home energy costs because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Steve Bullock announced the program assistance extension May 14.

Telehealth providers awarded $260,000 in COVID-19 grants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) awarded $264,651 in grants to Montana organizations to increase telehealth capabilities in response to the coronavirus pandemic, it announced May 13.

Nationally, $15 million was awarded to 159 organizations across five health workforce programs. The awards are funded through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

June primary ballots coming in the mail

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Beaverhead County voters will soon receive the June 2 primary election ballots in their mailbox.