August 2020

No all-mail ballot this time

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After hearing from dozens of people in a meeting that ran over two hours in length Tuesday, the Fergus County commissioners voted unanimously to pass a resolution overriding Clerk and Recorder Rana Wichman’s decision to hold all-mail voting in the November General Election.

Central Montana sees slight improvement in tourism numbers

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As Montana inches through Phase Two of Governor Steve Bullock’s reopening plan, the local tourism industry is still feeling the effects of COVID-19, but faring better than expected.

‘A long time coming’

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If you ask the Fergus County Sheriff’s deputies how they feel about having their own mobile offices, they’ll be quick to share just how excited they are.  
Although the public might think all police vehicles have laptops and fancy electronics in them, the Fergus County Sheriff’s Office has just recently been able to add such equipment to their fleet.
The “fancy electronics” are more commonly referred to as mobile data terminals. These terminals allow departments to work from anywhere in their vehicles, among a long list of other benefits.

FWP offering free online courses for hunter, bowhunter education students

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is offering online hunter and bowhunter education courses this year in response to social distancing requirements and restrictions on group gatherings related to COVID-19.

To take the online hunter education course, students can register at https://www.hunter-ed.com/montana/. For bowhunter education, please go to https://www.bowhunter-ed.com/montana/.

Apply now for FWP’s Apprentice Hunter Program

It’s never too early to plan ahead for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Apprentice Hunter Program. FWP encourages early mail-in certification for eligible Apprentice Hunters in order to avoid crowds and frustration prior to season openers and the youth hunt. COVID-19 safety protocols are in place at FWP offices and lobby occupancy is very limited, therefore wait times outside may be long.

Public input sought on two Fergus County conservation easements

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public review and comment on two environmental assessments for proposed conservation easements near Denton and Winifred.

The Wolf Creek Conservation Easement is proposed for about 1,000 acres of mixed sagebrush-grassland adjoining the Beckman Wildlife Management Area in deer/elk hunting district (HD) 426.

The Whiskey Ridge Conservation Easement is proposed for about 4,600 acres of mixed sagebrush-grassland habitat adjoining the Missouri River Breaks in deer/elk HDs 417 and 426.

FWP seeking input on Big Spring Creek draft environmental assessment

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has prepared a draft environmental assessment for public review regarding a proposal to apply a bank stabilization/riparian enhancement treatment on a portion of Big Spring Creek near the boundary between the Carroll Trail and Machler Easement Fishing Access Sites near Lewistown.

The project would stabilize stream banks and reduce erosion while allowing natural stream migration, enhances the aquatic habitat by incorporating woody debris and encouraging streambank vegetative growth.

Riding high

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Katie and Peder Jerstad ride the Limekiln Loop Trail high in the Judith Mountains last Saturday. The 7-mile trail starts and ends near the Judith Mountain Lodge. Despite the hazy skies, the ride offered some great views of the mountains and surrounding uplands.

FFA under the Big Sky: Still learning, still serving

At the end of June, over 30 FFA members and Montana FFA State Officers from across the state gathered at the Prairie County Fairgrounds in Terry, Montana, for the Montana FFA’s summer Agricultural Opportunities Tour.

Grasshopper infestation causing extensive damage to crops, pastures

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Warm temperatures and minimal moisture were observed across Montana during the past week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Reporters in Beaverhead, Deer Lodge and Gallatin counties reported the dry conditions are allowing for good harvest. Reporters across the state noted the grasshopper infestation has created extensive damage to crops and pastures.