The Montana Army National Guard has been helping to cover pandemic related staffing shortages at the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge. As of Nov. 15, the Montana Department of Corrections reports 136 staff members and 323 inmates have tested positive for the virus at the prison. Guard members had their tours of duty extended, as dozens of staff members at the prison are quarantined due to COVID-19.

The Fish and Wildlife Commission will hold a public hearing via Zoom on Tuesday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m., to consider the proposed adoption, amendment and repeal of rules pertaining to field trial regulations, game bird dog training and game bird farms. The 2019 legislature enacted House Bill 29, which changed the legal requirements for certain activities relating to field trials and the training

U.S. Senator Jon Tester continued his push to break the partisan logjam over the next round of coronavirus stimulus funding for Montana workers and small businesses in a letter to Senate leadership this week. “I am hearing directly from Montana families, business owners, school administrators and medical professionals that the devastating effects of this pandemic are getting worse,” wrote

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will offer the last online wolf trapping certification class of the season on Tuesday, Dec. 8, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. To register for the free class, please visit the FWP website at http://fwp.mt.gov and follow the links to “Education” and “Wolf Trapper Education & Certification.” Because of current COVID-19 restrictions, FWP will offer no in-person

Attorney General Tim Fox and Montana Lottery Director Angela Wong cautioned Montanans today about lottery- related scams that have become increasingly prevalent and urged them to be vigilant. “These scams can really impact your finances and cost you tens of thousands of dollars,” Attorney General Tim Fox said. “Scammers prey upon people who live alone, and since the pandemic has led to

ter Toll Free Crisis Phone Line: 800-597-6608, or call 911.If you or a loved one are experiencing a substance use issue, reach out to the following for help: SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 800-662-HELP (4357) and TTY 800-487-4889, Eastern Montana Community Mental Health Center 653-1872. For more information, visit the RCHD Facebook page or covid19.mt.gov or the CDC’s Coping with Stress page,

Roosevelt County schools are among the 180 schools in the state that will receive additional COVID relief funds by the end of this year. Gov. Steve Bullock announced $13 million of funds going to the schools last week. The school applied for the additional dollars after $75 million was received by the schools in July. “While this additional funding will serve our schools with continued