Editor's Note: We will attempt to update the online article as we hear of more changes. Please contact us if you hear of more local closures. New information will be added throughout the week, at the bottom of the article.
On Monday, we spoke with local businesses and local governmental organizations to find out the local impacts of the worldwide coronavirus pandemic.
The Broadus IGA staff has been cleaning the carts, cash registers, bathrooms, and other high traffic areas of the store on a stringent basis with a bleach formula. IGA owner Rita Harden tells us the store is planning to begin offering a delivery service for elderly and immunocompromised local residents. This service will be provided by calling in orders, with the grocery items then delivered by a store employee. Rita asks that those utilizing the service be as specific as possible when calling in orders in regard to product, brand, size, and quantity, in order to ensure the an accurate delivery. The minimum order is $25.
Rita tells us that as of Monday, her supply chains are doing well, but suppliers, manufacturers, co-packers and distribution systems are experiencing unprecedented demand and increased pressures, so outages and shortages are to be expected. She commented “Your patience and understanding is appreciated.”
Broadus hasn’t been immune to the run on toilet paper, which seems to be a nationwide phenomenon. Broadus IGA is currently limiting customers to one of whatever toilet paper product is on hand. On Monday that meant one individual roll, but supplies of packaged TP were expected, which would be limited to one package per customer.
Jami Jo Schroeder, Broadus IGA Pharmacist, says she has increased her supply of major prescription drugs, and is available anytime for folks to call with questions about their prescriptions.
The store and pharmacy are currently open for their winter hours. The store is open 7 AM to 9 PM Monday through Saturday, and 9 AM to 8 PM Sunday, while the pharmacy is open 9-5 Monday through Friday.
On Sunday, Governor Bullock directed all public K-12 schools in Montana to close for two weeks.
Broadus Schools Superintendent Jim Hansen tells us he had figured a closure was imminent, and had informed staff to think about preparing for a closure last week.
On Monday, the teachers prepared curriculums for their students which could be done at home. In the Junior High and High School, students will be able to access work online, while those with limited internet access were able to come in Tuesday and pick up their work.
In the Elementary, students did much the same, though work will primarily be done with prepared work and print outs instead of online.
The hope is for students to stay relatively caught up on their work, and when school does finally open back up, the students will be able to get back into the swing of learning with minimal dwell time. As of Monday, there was no guidance from the state as to whether schools will need to extend their school year into the summer.
Lunches are made available for those students on the Free & Reduced Price School Meal Program.
With the school closure comes the cancellation or postponement of several school activities. Prom has been postponed. State FFA Convention has been postponed until further notice. High School Mathcounts has been canceled. The ACT tests for Juniors will be rescheduled.
Spring sports, including JH and HS Track, as well as Golf, have been suspended by the MHSA. The MHSA Board will revisit the decision on April 13.
Public use of the school will be closed during the school shutdown, which means the Amanda Gaskill Memorial Basketball Tournament has been canceled. The weight room and open gym will also be canceled for the duration of the school closure.
Other closures, postponements, or cancellations around the community, current as of Monday, March 16 but no doubt subject to change include:
The Senior Center will be closed for two weeks, and congregate meals will also be canceled for two weeks. Commodities may be picked up by appointment.
Those who are seeking help with staying fed are encouraged to call Powder River Health, where they will be provided with meals on wheels regardless of the ability to pay.
Storytime has been suspended at Henry Malley Memorial Library for two weeks.
The PR Extension Office exercise classes have been suspended for two weeks.
The VFW Ladies Auxiliary St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon has been postponed.
March Madness Final Four Calcutta at the MT Bar has been cancelled.
The Powder River Manor has suspended all visitations.
Powder River Physical and Occupational therapies will screen via phone while making an appointment to be seen. If possible, clients will be re-scheduled at a later time. Clients exhibiting signs or symptoms may be referred to Family Medical Clinic or Home Health Assessments for additional screening, testing or care.
Powder River Family Medical Clinic asks that prior to coming to the clinic, please call and complete a screening.
Church services have been affected - please contact your church of choice to see about any changes. We have included known changes at the bottom of the page.
Community Integrated Healthcare Program is available to answer questions and do screenings for illnesses to help reduce the possible spread. Shane Copps 307-670-1400 Kesa Copps 307-696-9429.
Those seeking help on 911 calls will be asked a series of questions about their health, to screen for and protect first responders.
With the toilet paper shortage, residents should not flush paper towels, rags, or baby wipes, as they clog the sewer system.
Governor Bullock is strongly recommending that the public limit all gatherings, especially those more than 50 people, in every community across the state. He also recommends that parents should avoid, if possible, placing children for childcare with grandparents or individuals over the age of 60 or immunocompromised persons.
The CDC is now recommending no more than 10 people congregate in any one place.
The Northern Cheyenne and Crow tribes have both issued state of emergency proclamations, with those who have recently traveled off the reservations (including those who traveled to basketball tournaments) asked to self-quarantine for 14 days.
As of Monday evening, Montana had eight individuals test positive for coronavirus. Another individual has tested positive in Sheridan County, Wyoming, while a man aged 60-69 passed away of coronavirus in Pennington County, South Dakota (Rapid City).
Edits:
The Annual Powder River Health Fair, originally scheduled for Thursday, April 23, has been rescheduled to June 11th.
The school play has been postponed.
As of March 19th, Henry Malley Memorial Library will be closed to the public. The library staff is still on duty during normal operational hours and able to provide services. Curbside and home delivery of books will be available. The Wifi is still on and available 24 hours a day in the vicinity of the library.
1st Bank's lobby is now closed. The drive-up window will remain open, with hours extended to 8 AM until 6pm.
Friday update, 12:01 PM:
The Congregational Church has cancelled services for the month of March.
The Lutheran Church has cancelled services for the month of March.
The Teddy Roosevelt Impersonator shows are cancelled at this time, with hope to reschedule at an undetermined future time.
On Friday, March 20, Governor Bullock issued an executive order directing the closure of restaurants, bars, bowling alleys, gyms, casinos, and several other establishments, effective at 8 pm on March 20th. Establishments offering take-out and delivery may still remain open. Gambling machines will be shut down. The order expires March 27th, but according to the order it is expected to be extended.
Here are the local establishments affected by the executive order.
The Big Sky Bar will be open during normal business hours, offering a full menu and off sale alcohol. Please call ahead if ordering after 8 pm.
The Powder River Stockman’s Club will be offering takeout and delivery.
Seabeck Pizza will be offering take-out, as well as their bake at home pizzas.
Powder River Lanes will close completely, re-opening on May 18.
The Cashway Café will be offering take-out.
The Montana Bar will have their doors locked, but will be offering packaged liquors and take-out, available by phone.
Western Chick Boutique is closed until March 22nd, and when it re-opens Shari is planning to offer drinks, snacks, and ice cream on an order and pickup basis from 8 AM to Noon. Orders will be paid for online through the store’s website, over the phone with a card, or through the app Shari is currently working on.
Alderman Oil’s sub shop and convenience store is still open. Theresa Alderman tells us the hard surfaces are being disinfected on a regular basis to maintain a clean atmosphere.
The Broadus Corner Store is still open with business as usual, with food and beverages directed to be consumed off-premises.
Monday, March 23, 11:00 AM
Western Chick is now closed. The Boutique/Retail goods are still available online.
The Broadus Boot and Tack is now open for carry out only. Feed orders and products from the store are still available; customers are asked to please call ahead.
Bella Si Salon is closed until April 1.
Schaffer PEMF Therapy at Bella Si is closed until April 1.
IOIA will be closed until further notice.
Broadus Insurance is limiting foot traffic, but still in the office. Please call ahead.
KB Diesel Worx is closed to foot traffic, but still working.
Powder River Taxidermy is closed but available by phone for issues with FWP licensing.
Tuesday, March 24
The Powder River County Courthouse is closed. Offices will still be staffed, with work done via phone, email, or mail. Lockboxes for pickup or delivery are also located outside the courthouse.
Similar story at the Town Office.
The Federal Building doors are locked. Offices are still staffed, with work done by phone or email.
Silver Sage Clothing is closed.
Powder River Petals is closed.
The school system closure has been extended by the Governor until April 10th.
The closure of restaurants, bars, and other gathering spots where 10 or more people congregate has been extended by Governor Bullock until April 10th.
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