News

MT ramps up sequencing efforts to monitor for new omicron variant

The state health department and its partners have increased their capacity to conduct sequencing of COVID-19 samples in an effort to monitor for the new omicron variant as it continues to pop in various countries around the world, including Wednesday’s report that it’s in America.

ON THE RECORD

Complaints

Bridge on Bridger Creek Road closed

Effectively immediately, the bridge on Bridger Creek Road located approximately 4 miles south of the intersection of Interstate 90 and Bridger Creek Road near Greycliff is restricted to emergency and local traffic only, according to a news release from the Sweet Grass County Public Works Department.

Tree sales benefit class of ’22 graduation party

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An annual fundraiser to keep high school seniors sober on graduation night began last week at the Thirsty Turtle, a restaurant and lounge in Big Timber.

Utility works to restore Hebgen Dam gate functionality

Water flow from Hebgen Dam to the Madison River significantly decreased on Tuesday when a gate component failed on the dam’s outlet structure, decreasing the opening for the outtake of water at the bottom of the gate, according to a North-Western Energy news release.

Dusting off the old ones

Every so often, a Pioneer reporter digs through old issues of The Pioneer to find interesting stories to illuminate Sweet Grass County’s past. Here are this week’s findings.

SGHS senior Alyssa Boshart signs with Montana State University

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Sweet Grass County High School senior Alyssa Boshart has decided to continue her track and field career at Montana State University-Bozeman.

Boulder man admits firearms crimes

GREAT FALLS — A Boulder man recently admitted to firearms crimes after being accused of illegally possessing firearms and aiding a straw purchase at his wife’s Helena pawn shop, U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson said in a news release.

Man charged in alleged deer poaching incidents

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks game wardens charged a Shepherd man with 18 misdemeanor crimes recently as the result of three deer poaching incidents investigated at the Ah-Nei Recreation Area northeast of Billings in early October, according to an FWP news release.

Group sues over endangered species protections in Montana

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A lawsuit filed in federal court in Missoula on Monday challenges a Trump-era policy change that would allow more hunting and fishing in National Wildlife Refuges, saying that lead ammunition and tackle could further harm endangered species, and that relaxing the rules may lead to hunters accidentally taking endangered species, like grizzly bears.