News

Burn permits on hold during red flag warning

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While fires blaze in Oregon and California, burn permits are on hold in Fergus County where fire danger continues to threaten Central Montana.
A “red flag warning” was issued for Fergus County this past Monday, noting a severe and significant threat to life or property due to dry fuels (grass and trees) and gusty winds. The impact of these conditions, along with relatively low humidity, will contribute to easy fire starts with erratic and difficult fire behavior.

New community health center includes affordable housing component

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The Crowley Building at 311 W. Main Street, also known as Chokecherry Lane, will be the new location for the Central Montana Community Health Center, but in addition to health care services, the innovative redevelopment will also include affordable homes.
Dr. David Mark, CEO of Bighorn Valley Health Center, Inc., who oversees the CMCHC, said the unusual partnership of health care and housing made sense, especially when viewed in the larger context of healthcare.

2020 Chokecherry Festival draws a happy crowd

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From shining classic automobiles on display to the smells of freshly prepared foods, and every other type of vendor in between, this year’s Chokecherry Festival was well attended.
“[While] we have nothing like a real number,” Chamber Director Jo McCauley said, “I’d say it was a comfortable crowd.”

Labyrinth Garden needs volunteers for a day of work

The Labyrinth Garden is in need of repair. The black liner (lawn edging) along the paths has warped, broken and lifted. It needs to be taken out. Because it is old the garden rows have either gotten very narrow or widened. These rows will be returned to their original width and pavers will border the paths. Therefore the stones must be removed, stored for the winter and replaced in the spring. This is a great, but needed undertaking.

New access into Crazy Mountain Range opening to the public

“A brand new easement availing public access into a portion of the Crazy Mountain Range is close at hand,” said White Sulphur Springs District Ranger, Carol Hatfield. The public and administrative easement was approved by the Forest Service and McFarland White Ranch in May of this year. The Montana Land Board just approved the use of existing State land for a parking lot, trailhead, and trail during their August board meeting. The last piece to complete the formal opening of the access area is the construction of the parking lot, trailhead, and trail. “The expected opening as of now is late November, but as there always is with construction in Montana, a myriad of factors could accelerate or delay our plans,” said Hatfield.

Volunteers to host Census informational sessions

Local volunteers have planned several times and locations for Central Montanans to complete the 2020 U.S. Census, or find out more about the importance of completing the Census. Poeple are encouraged to attend one if they have not yet completed it or if they have questions.

Celebrate the Foundation of America

The National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution, urges Americans to reflect on the U.S. Constitution during this month’s annual observance in honor of this foundational document of national governance.

COVID-19 death announced at Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center

The Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Central Montana Health District announced Friday a Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center patient has died due to COVID-19 related illness.

LAW ENFORCEMENT BLOTTER

The following report is taken from information provided by the Central Montana Dispatch and does not represent the total scope of police or sheriff activities. All persons are innocent until proven guilty.

FWP seeks information on Ackley Lake vandalism

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking the public’s help for information on vandalism at the Ackley Lake Fishing Access Site at the lake south of Hobson.

Poll

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