Blackfoot Telecommunications crews worked throughout the day New Year’s Eve to lay a ground-based cable restoring voice and data communications after a two-day outage to western Sanders County.

“As of 6:06 p.m. (Monday, Dec. 31), voice and data service began to return to normal service. Blackfoot crews continue working on restoring service,” according to the update posted at blackfoot.com.

Spokesman Wil Anderson says this is a temporary fix, but one that should serve Blackfoot customers well until a new fiber optic line can be installed across the Clark Fork River.

“We really appreciate the support people have given us” as the entire team worked through wintry weather, said Anderson. “Our customers are our community.”