News

MONTANA — In late January, when Mary Windecker got up to testify in front of the budget committee considering how to fund Montana’s addiction and mental health treatment programs, her words cut through a typically bureaucratic proceeding to present an uncomfortable bottom line.  “You’re all familiar now with some of the statistics across the state,” she said. “Montana scores at the highest of every indicator we don’t want to be in.” Windecker, director of the nonprofit Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana, was talking about the state’s suicide rates. And the percentage of children who are removed from their homes because of a...

When the staff at Providence St. Joseph called last Wednesday to schedule my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, I was surprised at the tears that popped into my eyes. After all, it’s been 11 months of masking up and keeping my distance from all but a handful of friends and family members. Is the end o...

News from OPI MONTANA —The Office of Public Instruction has announced that nomination and application forms are available for the 2022 Montana Teacher of the Year Program.  Members of the public can fill out a simple form to nominate a teacher. Teachers can self-nominate by filling out an ...

News from Western Native Voice MONTANA — Western Native Voice, a nonprofit social justice organization, has been working since May 2020 to bring COVID-19 relief to their hardest-hit communities in Montana with COVID-19 relief funds, safety training and educational Facebook-Live events.  Th...

News from the Greater Polson Community Foundation POLSON — The Polson School District has a wonderful, little-known program that has existed for over 20 years.  This special needs preschool program for three- and four-year-old children is overseen by an incredibly dedicated, committed staf...

News from the Office of the Governor  MONTANA – Consistent with Governor Gianforte’s announcement on Feb. 10, the statewide mask mandate is allowed to expire. Local jurisdictions may still choose to implement their own mask requirements. Gianforte emphasized how providing incentives ...

News from Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana  CHARLO — The Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana will sponsor a book chat starting on Tuesday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at the museum. “Sarpy Creek” is the book being read. Snacks are provided at the book chat. Social distancing is required and...

News from the North Lake County Public Library POLSON — To celebrate “I Love to Read” month, we are pleased to present Adopt-A-Book. This is an opportunity to “adopt” a book for the library’s youth collection. Community members can purchase a book to honor a special p...

News from DPHHS On Feb. 9, the Department of Public Health and Human Services was notified the state will receive 16,425 first doses and 13,525 second doses for those completing the vaccine series. This allocation will be distributed to local jurisdictions the week of Feb. 15. DPHHS continues to be n...

ST. IGNATIUS — I hope everyone is staying warm and well. Our in-house meal is today, Feb. 17, with bingo afterward a possibility. It is roast pork, veggies, potatoes and dessert. We serve at 5:30 p.m. If you would like a take-out meal, please call by 2 p.m. and pick up at 5:30 p.m. Thank you to all ...