Kay Erickson

Staff at the Billings Gazette, Montana’s largest daily newspaper, voted to unionize. The National Labor Relations Board announced Thursday the mail-in vote was unanimous, although two ballots were not returned in time for the tally.

The 14-day stay-at-home order the Blackfeet Tribal Council implemented for the reservation will not halt the construction on two structures of the St. Mary Canal that are on reservation land. 

Six ports of entry between Montana and Canada will continue to operate at reduced hours through July 21. Travel between the two countries is still restricted to essential only amid the new coronavirus pandemic.

The century-old St. Mary Canal has been a lifeline for communities along Montana’s Hi-Line. After a portion of it collapsed last month, agencies are scrambling to replace two key structures. 

The same nutrition program that provided needed meals to Montana students during the school closures this spring will continue to feed hungry children this summer.

The 35th annual Big Sky State Games (BSSG), which draws around 10,000 athletes of all ages from across Montana and surrounding states each year, are a go and registration has begun.

Interest in hobbies has skyrocketed as many people forced to stay at home have found things to keep them busy. An increased interest in gardening, baking and crafting has caught many Montana suppliers busy.

Billings Public Works Department has some suggestions for businesses and facilities getting ready to reopen under Governor Steve Bullock’s phased reopening directive; Owners should think about their pipes.

“Essential only” travel between the United States and Canada is keeping the hours of operations reduced at six ports of entry in Montana and one in Idaho.

Health concerns surrounding coronavirus pandemic and the gradual reopening of business and the return to normal has claimed more outdoor events.