Drought conditions have been recently deteriorating over areas of the North Central U.S. (Colorado, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming). Abnormally dry conditions have recently expanded as well. A recent increase in atmospheric demand (i.e., crop water use) is starting to cause some stress on rangeland, grassland and crops as soil moisture availability is decreasing.

Across the country, state unemployment programs have been targeted by criminals taking advantage of the pandemic by illegally obtaining benefits through fake claims. Tuesday, June 23, Attorney General Tim Fox issued tips to help Montana victims of this crime. “Criminals are taking advantage of the COVID-19 crisis by using information obtained from a variety of sources to apply for unemployment

The family of Dr. Frederick and Bernice Knierim is offering scholarships to young people who have completed at least one year ofcollegeorotherhighereducation beyond high school. Applicants must be residents and vote in one of the four counties of northeastern Montana: Daniels, Sheridan, Roosevelt and Valley counties. The scholarships are given in memory of Dr. Fredrick and Mrs. Knierim who

A four-year-old boy drowned Friday, June 19, in a canal in Sidney, reported the Sidney Police Department. The boy has been identified by family members as Trace Hilburn, son of Trey and Kayla Hilburn. The Sidney Police Department received a call at 12:15 p.m., Sidney Police Department Chief Mark Kraft said. Sidney Police officers, along with deputies with the Richland County Sheriff’s Office,

Montana State University has announced its undergraduate honor rolls for spring semester 2020. To be eligible for the lists, students must have earned at least 12 college- level credits. An asterisk denotes President’s List with a 4.0 grade point average. The Dean’s List includes students earning grade point averages of 3.5 or higher. Bainville: Drue Nelson*, Abby Reidle, Paytyn Wilson.

enus Froid Senior Congregate Meals June 29: Hot hamburger, vegetable and dessert. July 1: Hamburger gravy over mashed potatoes and dessert. July 6: Hard or soft shell tacos and dessert.

The Department of Public Health and Human Services has launched a statewide media campaign to remind Montanans to continue taking the right steps to fight the spread of COVID-19, especially as the state opens up. The campaign, titled “Protect Public Health in the 406,” consists of television, radio, newspaper, digital and social media ads emphasizing personal responsibility and the behaviors