start of 2021. The federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour hasn’t changed since 2009. A total of 20 states will continue to have a minimum wage either equal to or below the federal level. Other states that increased their minimum wage on Jan. 1 included Alaska to $10.34; Arizona, $12.15; Arkansas, $11; California, $14; Colorado, $12.32; Florida, $8.65; Illinois, $11; Maine, $12.15; Maryland,

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Montana is accepting applications for the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program. While NRCS accepts easement applications on a continuous basis, applications for the next funding consideration must be submitted by Feb. 5. “Easements are sometimes a perfect fit for a landowner who is looking to protect his or her land from future development

Jaron Schillinger, 59, of Circle died during a low-speed accident near Circle Dec. 31. Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Steve Nard told the Northern Plains Independent that Schillinger’s pickup was northbound on Highway 13 when his truck crossed the centerline, skidded into an embankment and struck a grain silo. At press time, Nard said MHP is waiting for a report from the medical examiner

A spokesperson from Burlington Northern Sante Fe has confirmed that an individual was killed in a train accident in Wolf Point on Monday, Dec. 28. The Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the deceased was Greg Badhawk of Wolf Point. BNSF spokesperson Courtney Wallace said a train struck Badhawk in Wolf Point. The incident occurred around 7 p.m., Wallace said. “An investigation

Area health officials are stressing that flu shots are more important this year than ever because the COVID-19 pandemic. In order to keep the community safe, health officials offer advice and information on these two infections are related. COVID-19 and the flu are each highly contagious respiratory infections, but have some key differences. They are caused by different viruses. COVID-19

( Publisher’s Note: The following blotter includes the activities of the Wolf Point police and fire department Dec. 21-27. All those cited or arrested are presumed innocent.) Citations were issued to: December 21 Laresa Dale, 20, female, 100 block of Helena Street, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, tribal court. December 22 Samuel Birdtail Sr., 32, male, 200 block of Main

( Publisher’s Note: Each week, the Roosevelt County Sheriff’s Office distributes an inmate roster with the names of everyone incarcerated and persons booked into the jail during the previous week and does not necessarily mean there is a new charge or conviction.) Prisoners housed in the Roosevelt County Detention Center Dec. 22-28 include: Jayden Burton, 19, Plentywood, hold for other agency.