News

Horse tests positive for rabies in Ravalli County

On Wednesday, Sept. 8, the Montana Department of Livestock received confirmation that a horse in Ravalli County was diagnosed with rabies. This is the 12th case of rabies in the state in 2021, and the fifth in a terrestrial (non-bat) species. As a result, Ravalli County has been placed under a 60-day quarantine. The purpose of the quarantine is to reduce the risk of further disease spread in the county if there are other exposed animals that have not been identified.

Tribute

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Blue Campan stands in front of his large-scale painting titled “September Morning, 9/11.” The painting will be hung at the Lewistown Art Center with several other of the artist’s larger pieces. Photo courtesy of Mary Baumstark

Montana State research expenditures hit all-time high

For a third year running, Montana State University recorded an all-time high for research expenditures, tallying more than $193 million for the fiscal year ending in June.

Judith Basin County considers forming local health department

On Wednesday, Sept. 15, Judith Basin Commissioners held their first reading of Draft Resolution FY2022-08: Judith Basin County Health District, which they had reviewed and discussed Sept. 8.

Denton about to get new bridge

The Fergus County commissioners last Friday reviewed three bids for replacing the Bain Street Bridge north of Denton. The bids are for purchase of the bridge structure; the work to install it will be done by the Fergus County Road and Bridge department.

We the people

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The Fergus High School senior government class chalks graphic representations of the Bill of Rights in front of the school in honor of Constitution Day on Friday, Sept. 17. Photos by Matthew Strissel

Fergus High Senior Class Officers

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The Fergus High School senior class officers for the 2021-2022 school year are (from left) Payson Jensen (secretary), Malorie Woolett (president) and (not pictured) Mollie Meredith, (vice president). Photo courtesy of Fergus High School

Big Spring Creek Watershed Council meets Oct. 4

The Big Spring Creek Watershed Council meets Monday, Oct. 4 at the Civic Center at 3 p.m. Items on the agenda include discussion of distribution of the watershed booklets, comments on stakeholders, and meeting with Mark Ockey, a water quality specialist with DEQ. The Watershed Council is working toward an update of their strategic plan, which identifies options for tbe Spring Creek watershed, for example, in times of drought. The meeting is open to the public.

Construction update: Eddies Corner

Expect alternating closures of Fergus Ave. between Hwy. 87 and 3rd St. W., and Highland between HWY 87 and 2nd St. W in Moore.

Governor’s fire briefing shows fire danger is still high

As of Wednesday, Sept. 15 at 8 a.m., there are 15 active large fire incidents in Montana. The state is in preparedness level 2. Since Jan. 1, there have been over 2,310 fire starts in Montana burning around 871,000 acres.