Bitterroot Star

NorthWestern Energy is prepared and continues to provide reliable, safe energy service as we all work together through this COVID-19 crisis. Our pandemic plan is executed, including protocols to ensure the health of our employees, who keep critical energy services operating. NorthWestern Energy employees are out in our communities, working hard in all conditions. We […]

March 26, 2020 As of noon today, March 26 2020, there is just one reported case of COVID-19 in Ravalli County. Ravalli County COVID-19 Incident Commander Dr. Carol Calderwood: “To help ensure the health and wellbeing of our county residents, returning international travelers must remain at home for 14 days and monitor their health for […]

The health and safety of visitors, as well as Forest Service employees and volunteers, is paramount during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are working to meet the social distancing guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to help reduce the spread of the virus.  To support these efforts, effective March 27, 2020, all Bitterroot National […]

Governor Steve Bullock today issued a directive to ensure all eligible Montanans can safely vote in the 2020 June primary by allowing counties to expand voting by mail and early voting. All counties will be required to implement social distancing measures for election procedures. “This is about protecting Montanans’ right to vote at a time […]

As of noon today, March 24 2020, there is still just one reported case of COVID-19 in Ravalli County. IC Calderwood, “We, the County Health Department, and your fellow residents, thank you for all of your efforts to ensure the health and safety of our community. This is a trying time – for everyone. The most difficult part is […]

Governor Steve Bullock on Tuesday, March 24 announced measures to give local governments the flexibility they need to adhere to social distancing guidelines and do their part in preventing COVID-19. “I’m pleased that local governments know they can play a key role in slowing the virus and are taking social distancing measures seriously,” Governor Bullock […]

The coronavirus pandemic continues to spread across the globe. As of Monday, there were 366,919 cases of COVID-19 worldwide, with 16,097 deaths recorded, and 100,879 recovered cases. In Montana, there were 45 cases statewide, with one in Ravalli County.  On March 24, Governor Steve Bullock issued an additional directive to extend closures of public schools […]

On Monday, a new normal for many of the valley schools occurred. With the governor’s directive last week to close all schools to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the schools were left trying to figure out how to continue educating students.  Lone Rock superintendent Scott Stiegler said they began to consider the idea for distance […]

By Marnie Craig A faint melody of pentatonic chimes sounded in the distance and dried leaves and grasses crunched underfoot as Deborah Goslin took regardful steps toward her sit-spot along the bank of Middle Burnt Fork Creek. She connects with nature on five acres east of Stevensville that host a spring fed meadow, mixed conifers […]

At a recent talk in Hamilton sponsored by the Bitterroot Climate Action Group, retired fisheries biologist Chris Clancy discussed the scientific evidence concerning climate change. Being a scientist himself, he decided to look to the scientific community for an answer to two simple questions: Is it happening? What is causing it? The answer to both […]

Twenty-five-year-old Logan Dallas Christopher remains jailed at the Ravalli County Detention Center for the murder of his mother, 47-year-old Tiffanie Greenslade and the mother of his children, 25-year-old Marisa Wahl. The double homicide occurred on March 10 at the victims’ residences near Stevensville. Christopher is also charged with attempted deliberate homicide for shooting his father, […]

5:00 pm , March 23, 2020 – There is still only one COVID-19 case identified in Ravalli County. The person is a female in her teens and is resting in isolation at home. The coronavirus was spread to her through travel. Close contacts of the person are in quarantine.   Process for notification: When a […]

The North Valley Public Library is closed to the public due to Covid-19 until further notice but NVPL cardholders can get materials curbside by placing holds OR try Blind Speed-Dating with the NVPL Library materials. Here is how Blind Speed Dating works: ·         Call the library staff at 406-777-5061 to request items. ·         Have your card number handy.  […]

Governor Steve Bullock today announced measures to ensure the state can swiftly acquire the hospital space and medical supplies needed to rapidly respond to a potential surge in COVID-19 cases. “While it’s paramount that Montanans stay vigilant with social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19 and avoid burdening our health care system, we must […]