News

Making sense of Montana’s COVID-19 data

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An analysis of the COVID-19 cases across Montana from March through July 24 shows the majority of cases so far have been in people ages 20-29, while the majority of those who needed hospitalization were between 54 and 78 years of age.
The data come from an analysis of COVID-19 cases released late last week by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. The report looks at cases from the first Montana cases on March 13 through July 24.

Recycling options for the environmentally conscious

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Lewistown is doing its part to recycle and preserve the environment.
Recycling plastics became a passion for Rosemary Kent eight years ago.
“It started in 2012. I came back from being overseas in Germany where recycling is mandatory and doing it became part of my lifestyle.  In Lewistown, a monthly plastics drive began at the silos where John Payne let us use his space. We had over a hundred cars coming through. The plastics drive expanded as the community became more involved,” said Kent.

Dry conditions continue despite rain

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Despite Monday’s rain, Central Montana fire danger is still high, leading to a burn ban across Fergus County.
Part of the reason Monday’s .65 inches rain wasn’t enough to move the needle on fire danger is that July was much drier than normal for the area. How dry was it? According to National Weather Service Meteorologist Ray Greely, normal for Lewistown for July is 1.93 inches. This July recorded only .46 inches.
“This July was a lot less active compared with last year in terms of thunderstorms,” Greely said.

Young Scout builds access stairs for Hansen Creek fishermen

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When a friend could no longer go fishing at a local lake, Lewistown Boy Scout Talmage Brooks was called to action. The result is a brand new and very attractive staircase providing safe access to Hansen Creek reservoir.
The problem began when road access to the lake was blocked off by the City and County some years ago, due to erosion problems. That left fishermen, especially those with limited mobility, no easy way down the very steep, rutted slope to the lakeshore.

Two orthopedic surgeons join CMMC

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Can an accident change the course of a person’s life? Yes. Just ask doctors Paul Sensiba and Daniel Hebert (pronounced A-Bear), two orthopedic surgeons who separately uprooted to live in Montana and practice orthopedic surgery at the Central Montana Medical Center.
“Like a lot of people, I had first hand experience with ACL in soccer and learning medicine,” said Sensiba.

Lewistown Redbirds win district, now host state

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Lewistown hosted its first ever American Legion Baseball State Tournament in 2014, and now just six years later the town is ready to host its second state tournament.
Originally, Havre was the spot for this year’s Class A Tournament, but Havre’s Legion board felt there were just too many unknowns going into the baseball season. They turned the tournament back and asked to host it in 2021.

Fall sports return, with restrictions

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With the fall sports season quickly approaching, many have been wondering if there will be a season at all. On Monday, July 27, Montana High School Association Executive Director Mark Beckman announced plans for the fall sports season to return.
“Along with the National Federation of High School Associations, the MHSA Executive Board believes the resumption of sports and other activities is crucial to the growth, development, and mental and emotional wellness of our Montana youth,” Beckman said in an email statement.

Creekside Marketplace and Pavilion near completion

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Creekside Marketplace and Pavilion is making great strides towards the much-anticipated grand opening.
“New sod was put in last Tuesday by Scott and John Sanford. Their crews and volunteers came, but there is still work to done with putting on the finishing touches of plant and shade structures and signage,” said Karen Sweeney, a volunteer for the Creekside Marketplace and Pavilion.

Partnering to support learning

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For the fifth year in a row, Lewistown elementary students will find a big chunk of their school supplies are already paid for through a partnership of two local businesses: Allied Steel and First Bank of Montana. Supplies include crayons, pencils, markers, spiral notebooks and glue sticks, among other items.
In years past, First Bank and Allied Steel teamed up to purchase supplies that they handed out to families in carefully packed backpacks. This year the COVID-19 pandemic complicated things.

Driving to win

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Poll

Do you think Montana is ready to move on to the next phase of the governor's re-opening plan?