The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
The Blackfoot Valley's News Source Since 1980
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Know How it Spreads *There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). *The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. *The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. -Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet). -Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. *These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Take steps to...
Following Lewis and Clark Public Heath's March 19 expanded order to close certain establishments, including churches, and Gov. Steve Bullock's March 20 statewide order to close bars, restaurants and certain other businesses, we've updated the list of establishments affected and the service they do have available. We're aware the list isn't comprehensive. If we missed anyone, please let us know. Businesses not listed are, to the best of our knowledge, open regular hours...
Lewis and Clark Public Health Officer Drenda Niemann today extended until March 31 an order closing some food, drink, and fitness establishments in Lewis and Clark County. She also expanded the order to include theaters, churches, and other faith-based gatherings. The original order, issued Monday and effective until March 23, specifically applied to bars, breweries, distilleries, casinos, restaurants, fitness centers, athletic centers, gyms, and workout studios. It exempted f...
The 33rd annual Pete Sitch Memorial Basketball Tournament, which raises money for the scholarship they award to a Lincoln student each year is among the myriad events canceled due to restrictions related to the coronavirus, COVID-19 "It all came down to Governor Bullock's announcement to close all Montana schools beginning Monday, March 16," said Dave Sitch, one of the tournament organizers. "We didn't want to cancel the event but have been forced to do so. We apologize to...
Parker Medical Center PureView Health Centers is coordinating with the Lewis and Clark County Public Health Department and Centers for Disease Control in their efforts to protect their patients and the community against the spread of COVID -19. PureView Chief Executive OfficerJill Steeley said patients at Parker Medical shouldn't see too much in the way of change, but they are taking precautionary measures. "We'll still be seeing people there. We'll just be calling them first...
Lewis and Clark Public Health confirmed on Friday the first case of COVID-19 in a county resident. The man, in his 30s, has been instructed to remain isolated at home until he has fully recovered. The health department will release no other identifying information about the patient to protect his privacy in keeping with federal law. "We wish this gentleman our best and hope he makes a quick and complete recovery," said Drenda Niemann, health officer. "Our nurses will be interv...
Helena, March 20 - To curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Montana, Governor Steve Bullock today announced measures to close dine-in food service and alcoholic beverage businesses and other activities that pose enhanced health risks, effective at 8 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2020. This Directive expires at 11:59 p.m. on March 27, 2020, the same day that school closures are set to expire, though the date will likely be extended. "Both young and older Montanans, in urba...
"Bob" Robert Kale McClure Jr., Feb. 8, 1946-March 10, 2020. He was 74 years of age. Absent from the body, present with the Lord. Bob was born in Sioux City, Iowa, to Robert Sr. and Juna (Totdahl) McClure, where his father was stationed in the Army Air Corps. The family of three was later stationed in Denver, Colo. Upon discharge, Robert Sr. moved his family back home to Montana. When Bob was six, the family moved to Lincoln. A sister, Stacey, and a brother, Brian, were added...
In accordance with guidelines for social distancing related to COVID-19 and to protect the public as well as staff, Fish, Wildlife & Park strongly encourages hunters and anglers to make licensing purchases online at fwp.mt.gov. For those who need assistance with their purchase, please call the FWP licensing center at 406-444-2950 or your regional or area office: Region 1 (Kalispell): 752-5501 Region 2 (Missoula): 542-5500 Region 3 (Bozeman): 577-7900 Helena Area Office:...
Lincoln started to feel the pinch of efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 this week, on the heels of a series of emergency declarations, restrictions and closures. Monday morning, Lewis and Clark Public Health Officer Drenda Niemann ordered the closure of most food, drink and fitness establishments throughout the county from Tuesday morning, March 16 at 6.a.m. until 8 a.m. March 23. The order, approved by the City-County Board of Health closed bars, casinos and gyms, and...
SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The U.S. Small Business Administration is offering low-interest federal disaster loans for working capital to Montana small businesses suffering substantial economic injury as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), SBA Administrator Jovita Carranza announced today. SBA acted under its own authority, as provided by the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act that was recently signed by the President, to declare a disaster following a request received from Gov. Steve B...
Governor Steve Bullock today announced a set of directives and guidance to slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect vulnerable Montanans, including closing of public K-12 schools, social distancing measures, and limiting visitation at nursing home facilities. “As governor, it is my top priority to protect the health and safety of Montanans, particularly our most vulnerable, at a time when we face the potential for extraordinary health risks from coronavirus in our state,” said Governor Bullock. “Social distancing is one of th...
As business executives, you have a deep connection with your communities, partners, customers, and employees. It’s your businesses, both large and small, that power Montana’s economy. As concerns and economic impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) get closer to home, please know that my state agencies and I are working tirelessly to keep Montanans safe, and to support you and your employees. I have created a multi-agency task force, to ensure Montana is prepared to respond to a local COVID-19 outbreak. This task force an...
MONTANA – Governor Steve Bullock today issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency to exist within the state of Montana related to the communicable disease COVID-19 novel coronavirus. The emergency order puts the state on highest alert; still no confirmed cases in the state. “Now is the time to plan, not to panic. Our state has been preparing for coronavirus to come to Montana and we will be prepared to respond all along the way,” said Governor Bullock. “Just like we do when any challenging situation hits our com...
Lewis and Clark County 911 Center received fourteen calls for service during the week of March 8- March 14. Deputies performed one traffic stop in the Lincoln area. No calls for service generated a case report last week. Other calls for service in the Lincoln area last week were three non-injury crashes, one animal complaint, three citizen assists, one fish and game, two road hazards, one suspicious circumstance, and two welfare checks. Patience and remaining calm is key in...
Dear Dietitian, I’ve been working hard on eating healthy this year, and I read your column regularly. I have been surprised at how much sugar is in foods that I thought were good for me. Do you have a list of these foods? Thank you, Angela Dear Angela, Remember, it’s the food company’s job to make a product that takes good, not necessarily one that improves your health. An easy way to do that is to add sugar. The American Heart Association recommends women consume no more...
The Lincoln Valley Chamber of Commerce met Thursday, March 12 to discuss several upcoming events. It was the first meeting with the new full board present. Major topics discussed at the meeting included the upcoming 4th of July Festivities and the Lincoln Bike Rally. The Tenacious Dames came to the meeting to discuss their plans for the upcoming Lincoln Bike Rally planned for the weekend of July 10-12. Currently, they have Hell’s Belles scheduled to perform in the baseball fields at Hooper Park on Friday evening a Poker R...
Montana residents who are off-highway vehicle operators are required to purchase a Resident OHV Trail Pass. The pass, which costs $20, can be purchased from many local vendors or online at http://stateparks.mt.gov/recreation/ohvProgram.html. The pass is required on all public lands where Montana residents ride OHVs on designated motorized routes and trails. The pass must be attached and visible on the OHV. The pass is valid for up to two calendar years, expiring on Dec. 31 of the second year of purchase. In addition to the...
With so much panic buying of toilet paper, there have been reports elsewhere that people have turned to “flushable” wipes, paper towels or other products as a replacement, after finding themselves short thanks to other people’s hoarding tendencies. If you happen to find yourself in that group, remember its a bad idea to flush those items, since it’ll lead to a plumbing bill. Here in Lincoln, the design of the Lincoln sewer should prevent damage to the overall system, but not to individual lines and septic tanks. “It’s g...
With organizations and agencies shutting down in attempts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, communities are having to navigate lost access to services. On Sunday, both the Lincoln School District and the Lewis & Clark Library, including the Lincoln Branch, announced closures. The Lincoln School District will be closed for two weeks, and the Lincoln Library for at least four weeks. Patricia Spencer, the Public Information Officer for Lewis & Clark Library, said, "It's...
HELENA – Attorney General Tim Fox cautioned Montanans today about coronavirus-related scams that have been emerging in other parts of the country, and urged them to be aware of potential impacts to their financial health as well. “Scammers are taking advantage of coronavirus fears in other parts of the country, and it’s important to be wary of con artists who want to capitalize on the uncertainty that accompanies this time of heightened concern,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “Montanans should be cautious of bogus claims fo...
The 2020 Class C basketball "All State" recognition is not a new award for Lincoln High School senior, Nathan Brown. When only a sophomore, Brown achieved that lofty selection after the Lincoln Lynx team finished in second place at the 2018 District Tournament in Hamilton. Finishing up a five-year varsity career on the round ball court, Lincoln's top hoopster racked up 1721 career points and is still seeing awards for excellence roll in. "I'd say being chosen for the Montana...
Well, in my last "musing" I wrote about praying for those in the world whose life had been impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Specifically, those who had lost a loved one to this virus. I can honestly say that I guessed this virus would find its way into most of the US. But I did not even begin to think about the chaos and fear that this would bring to the US. Who would have imagined that all schools in some areas would shut? Especially when the kids are not supposedly a prime...
Sending out a big Hey Howdy Hey of thanks to Roger Brandenburger, Mike Nordahl, and Jeanette Nordahl, who are all members of the Lincoln Sewer District. Wastewater treatment operators Roger and Mike are on call 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. They take care of two main pump stations and four lesser stations, plus all the little pump stations around town. They also maintain four manhole stations around town. They pump up to three sewer lagoons. One holds 13 million gallons...
School grapples with two week closure The Lincoln School board held an emergency meeting Sunday evening, March 15 to develop a response plan after Gov. Steve Bullock announced a statewide, two-week shutdown of all K-12 schools related to coronavirus. The board focused on the immediate need to prepare for distance learning plans and to continue providing breakfasts and lunches to students in the school's free and reduced lunch program. Currently, the two weeks will not have to...
