The Montana Public Service Commission announced last week that Montanans will need to start using the “406” area code more than ever starting in 2021. Beginning Oct. 24, 2021, the 10-digital dialing will become mandatory in the state. That means all calls in Montana, including local calls, will require using the 406 area code. The change is needed because the Federal Communications Commission

During the Fort Peck Tribal Executive Board’s full board meeting Monday, Dec. 14, in the tribal chambers in Poplar, the board heard Indian Health Services director Dennis Four Bear’s report regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. He said IHS chose to receive Moderna’s version of the vaccine and is awaiting shipments. The board discussed efforts to vaccinate the Fort Peck Reservation community.

Wolf Point school officials expressed concerns regarding students who are opting-out this school year because of COVID issues during the school board meeting on Monday, Dec. 14. Principal Greg Gourneau said only about 7 percent of students opting-out are making progress to pass at the junior high level. He made the statement during his report to the board. Wolf Point High School principal

A 21-year-old Sidney man was sentenced to 40 years in the Montana State Prison for the offense of mitigated deliberate homicide during a sentencing hearing under District Court Judge Olivia Rieger on Friday, Dec. 11. Kyle Lee Severson was found guilty of that charge by a jury trial in December after fatally shooting Tyler Hayden at Sidney’s Loaf-N-Jug convenience store’s parking lot July

The Montana Department of Transportation recently issued new load postings for several area bridges. The postings are part of a multi-year effort to update load ratings and postings on Montana bridges as mandated by the Federal Highway Administration. New load ratings have been posted on the First Hay Creek Bridge 10 miles west of Fairview in Richland County, the Poplar River Bridge two miles

( Publisher’s Note: The following blotter includes the activities of the Wolf Point police and fire department Dec. 7-13. All those cited or arrested are presumed innocent.) Citations were issued to: December 7 Clay Stafne, 22, male, 100 block of Front Street, public intoxication and disorderly conduct, tribal court. December 9 Devin Hall, 31, male, 200 block of East Main Street, disorderly