Department of Public Health and Human Services and the Montana Department of Justice, in conjunction with local law enforcement, have identified a sharp increase in fatal overdoses across the state during the last two weeks. In this most recent surge from Jan. 11-23, a total of 28 non-fatal and eight fatal overdoses, likely due to opioids, have occurred in 13 different counties affecting individuals

U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., has announced he will reintroduce two bills to protect babies with Down syndrome from abortion and protect vulnerable mothers and their unborn children from chemical abortions on college campuses. Daines is introducing the bills to help mark the 50th anniversary of the March for Life in Washington, D.C. “Every life is created with God-given dignity and potential

Miles Community College has announced that the following students have been named to the President’s Honor List for the fall 2022 semester. Students who are taking 12 or more credits and maintain a term grade-point average of 3.5 or higher are eligible for this scholastic recognition. Area students include: Circle: Blayne Hubing Scobey: Jenna Linder Wolf Point: Tiara Whitmus and

club for two scholarships. Each of the two winners will receive $300. Entry deadline is Feb. 28. Topic for the essay is “Who is an everyday hero that brings out the optimism in you.” Contact any Wolf Point Optimist Club member for more information about the contests. Officers are AJ Allen as president, Gloria Sande as secretary/treasurer, and vice presidents Helen Welte and Pat Stennes.

The Montana Historical Society is seeking nominations for people and organizations whose exemplary commitment to identifying and preserving our historical and cultural heritage makes them eligible for the Heritage Keeper Awards. Up to three people or organizations will be honored by the MHS board of trustees for the Heritage Keeper Awards. An additional award, The Montana Heritage Guardian Award,

Darla Downs, the publisher of the Northern Plains Independent and Community News, has filed a complaint against Roosevelt County Attorney Frank Piocos in Roosevelt County District Court. Downs filed the complaint on Friday, Jan. 20, which claims that Piocos is not qualified to assume the office of county attorney because he falsely registered as an elector of Roosevelt County when he provided

Roosevelt County received one bid for creating a new storage building for the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office. During a special meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 17, county commissioners were notified of the bid from Corland Construction of Sidney. The total bid was $365,250 for the traditional wood frame building. Commissioner Gordon Oelkers made the motion to take the bid under advisement