News Briefs

June 25

Ronan city council update

RONAN — The Ronan City Council unanimously approved a resolution to amend the budget and allow for a transfer of funds within the fire department’s budget at the June 22 meeting.

The amendment will allow for funds to be transferred from the “purchase services” portion of the department’s budget to “supplies” in order to purchase some much needed new supplies.

The council also unanimously approved to pay out $1,970 in left over holiday pay for Ronan Police officers, and approved an open container permit for softball tournament to be held at the fairgrounds during Pioneer Days.

In public comment, the council discussed parking and insurance issues with the upcoming “Highway To Hell” ACDC tribute concert. Mayor Kim Aipperspach confirmed that concert goers will be allowed to park throughout town and not just in a designated area, and that the event promoter’s insurance is expected to cover property damages within Ronan’s city limits. The last planning/strategy meeting for the event will be held on June 29 at the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribe’s Division of Fire building.

The mayor also added that the city should plan to develop a policy regarding qualifications for event-based street closures in the future as the upcoming concert was required to apply for a closure permit when past street dances have not been required to do so.

The next city council meeting will be held on July 13.

-Reporter Ty Hampton

Swine-like flu reported in Lake County

Lake County Public Health and CSKT Tribal Health Departments received confirmation from the state lab on two weeks ago that a resident of Lake County had contracted a swine-life Flu, a health department press release said.

The department received laboratory confirmation of its first Novel Influenza A H1N1 (Swine-like) Case in Lake County.

The patient is a 69 year old female whose symptoms included cough, sinus congestion, low grade fever, and body aches. She has been treated with antiviral medication and is recovering at home.   She most likely acquired the Novel Influenza A H1N1 from contact with a family member visiting Montana from another state.

The visiting family member developed Influenza like symptoms upon arriving in Montana.  Testing was completed and Novel Influenza A H1N1 was confirmed by the Montana State Lab.  This case is not being considered a Montana case as the patient was most likely exposed prior to or during her course of travel.

All household and close contacts have been prescribed antiviral medications with guidance from Montana DPHHS Epidemiology Section.

Please keep in mind, the symptoms of H1N1 influenza are identical to those of seasonal influenza: A fever greater than 100 degree Fahrenheit and a sore throat and/or cough.

Other symptoms that might accompany these are stuffy nose, chills, headache, body aches and fatigue.

Several cases of the H1N1 have been reported throughout the state of Montana.

Healthcare professionals have stressed since the first case was reported several “rules” to help prevent the spread of the flu.

Recommended precautions remain the same:

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.

Wash your hands often with soap and water.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

Avoid close contact with sick individuals.

If you feel sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  If your symptoms worsen, contact your health care provider.

Any new developments will be available on the H1N1 Health Information Phone Line that can be accessed by dialing 883-7292.

-Courtesy of Lake County Public Health