Sixty new COVID-19 cases were reported in Montana over the past week. The count now stands at 614, with 60 active cases and eight active hospitalizations. At presstime Tuesday, June 16, there were 614 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Montana. Of those cases, 535 are listed as recovered. There have been 79 total hospitalizations. One new death was reported this week, with that count now at 19.

The Montana Tobacco Quit Line will see some additions beginning in July. The first addition to the quit line is that, for the first time ever, it will allow for texting or chatting for individuals under 24 years of age. This program addition will be called Quit Your Way. With the high prevalence of texting in today’s society, this program will help reach those individuals that prefer the

Vendors are still being accepted for the 30th annual Sunrise Festival of the Arts in Sidney on Saturday, July 11. Presenting sponsor is Dasinger Oil Properties. The Sunrise Festival of the Arts is scheduled for 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 11. The event connects local and regional artists, craftspeople and authors with shoppers and enthusiasts. The Sidney Area Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture

Dear Editor: The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program or CFAP gives producers of certain commodities or livestock assistance for losses caused by the coronavirus. The USDA claims that CFAP includes coverage for malt barley, but the rules indicate differently. While on the list of non-specialty crops that are eligible, it is almost impossible to qualify for the assistance. As a farmer who

Samples taken from bridges in three eastern Montana counties have tested positive for the fungus that causes white-nose syndrome in bats. The presence of the fungus — Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd) — was confirmed in Daniels, Richland and Fallon counties but does not necessarily confirm the presence of the disease. The samples were tested by the USGS National Wildlife Health Center in Madison,

According to Fort Peck Tribes Executive Board member Kaci Wallette, 5,500 COVID-19 Emergency Relief Assistance applications were processed and mailed to enrolled members 18 years of age and older who reside off the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. The applications were mailed June 11. The deadline for the first relief payment is June 30. “They worked very hard to ensure we can offer this assistance

According to Roosevelt County Undersheriff John Summers, a human skull was found in the Missouri River at Ferry Boat Road June 2. The skull was found by someone who was fishing in the area and local law enforcement agencies were notified. After the skull was recovered, it was sent to the state crime lab for analysis. The Poplar Volunteer Fire Department was instrumental in locating the remains,

The Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board passed a phased re-opening plan at the June 15 meeting. Beginning June 19, the reservation- wide curfew will be in effect from 2:30 to 5 a.m. All tribal government departments will be back at work in full force. No more than 250 people will be allowed to gather in one place. Casinos will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 a.m., operating at 75 percent capacity.