The Madisonian

The NorthWestern Energy Madison Powerhouse downstream from Ennis Lake will begin construction to upgrade its turbines and generators in October 2019. The project is predicted to take a year and a half to complete. 

Two separate grizzly bear attacks resulted in three injured hunters on the west side of the Gravelly Mountain range on Monday according to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks. It is unclear whether one or more bears were involved. FWP is asking hunters to leave the area, and the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest is closing Cottonwood Road.

According to an assessment from Safe Tech Solutions, a consulting firm that specializes in emergency medical services, the long-term sustainability of the Ennis Ambulance Service is questionable. Stakeholders of EAS met in the Madison Valley Bank conference room to discuss the assessment Aug. 12. 

The recent discussion on Madison River regulations was finalized at the Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks commissioners meeting Aug. 15. FWP was not able to provide a collective proposal to address recreational concerns of the increasing fishing pressure on the Upper Madison River.

Madison County Housing Advisory Board is conducting an online survey this month. The results of the survey will help direct the board toward addressing Madison County’s housing shortage in way that benefits its residents.

The Madison County Commissioners approved a countywide burn ban, with the exception of Big Sky Resort Area, during its meeting July 30. 

Every three years people line Broadway Street in Pony, Montana to celebrate Pony Days with a parade. Local businesses, cowboys and cowgirls throw out candy and wave to spectators as they parade through the town’s center. 

This year’s judges were Dr. Andrea Cady, Martin Shepaherd and Hannah Kearse.

Summary: Last year, MSU purchased 42 pigs from 4-H’ers at eight county fairs across the state. This year, MSU expects to purchase about 60 pigs at 12 fairs across Montana.