The 2021 Omnibus and COVID Relief Package will help farmers and ranchers hurt by the continuing economic harm caused by the ongoing pandemic, says Montana Farm Bureau. Of the $900 billion in the stimulus package, the bill provides $13 billion directly benefits agriculture, including $11.2 billion provided to the Office of the Agriculture Secretary to supports ag producers, processors and contract

A 72-year-old Rexford man died Saturday, Jan. 16, after the UTV he was in fell through the ice near Crooked Creek on Fort Peck Lake. The Petroleum County Sheriff’s Office reported that four fisherman were involved in an incident on the ice at Fort Peck lake near Crooked Creek Marina north of Winnett. The report came in around 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 16. Monday, Jan. 18, Petroleum County Coroner

The Montana Senate overwhelmingly passed a bill on Monday, Jan. 18, that is aimed to prevent lawsuits against businesses regarding COVID-19 cases. Senate Bill 65 passed by a 37-13 vote and now heads to the Montana House. The bill notes that businesses, health care professionals and manufacturers of products created to control the Covid pandemic can’t be held liable for virus related damages

Poplar’s boys’ basketball squad dropped league games against Malta and Glasgow during the weekend. The Indians lost to Malta by a 66-43 final Friday, Jan. 15. Poplar stayed close early as the Indians trailed by only a 21-15 margin at the end of the first quarter and 37-27 halftime score. Malta outscored Poplar 17-4 in the final quarter. The Indians lost to Glasgow by a 70-50 final

Poplar’s girls’ basketball team lost in conference action at home against Malta and Glasgow during the weekend. The Indians fell to Malta by a 61-15 final Friday, Jan. 15. Malta earned a 25-4 lead in the first quarter and increased the gap to 48-5 at the half. “We just didn’t get our offense going and the girls didn’t come together,” Poplar coach Teri Christian said. Poplar

Lustre Christian High School’s basketball teams suffered defeats against North Country on Friday, Jan. 15. The Lions lost by a 60-13 margin in the girls’ game. North Country led 17-2 at the end of the first quarter. Scoring for Lustre were Tiara Whitmus with nine and Alexa Reddig with four points. In the boys’ contest, North Country picked up a 44-30 victory. The game was even at