ACTIVE LINKS - NOVEMBER 18, 2025
- Libby Zoning Commission Public Hearing Scheduled: A public hearing on zoning matters is set for November 24 at Libby City Hall, as announced in today's legals.
- Builders Highlight Labor and Material Costs in Housing Shortage: Montana's construction sector is raising concerns over escalating building costs, including labor, permit fees, and materials, which are exacerbating the state's housing crunch.
- Almonty Initiates U.S. Operations with Montana Tungsten Project: Almonty Industries has begun operations at its tungsten project in Montana, marking its entry into the U.S. market. Metallurgical tests show over 90% tungsten recovery and 20-25% garnet recovery.
- Did You Know?: Montana's right to know is enshrined in its constitution, setting it apart from neighboring states by guaranteeing public access to government information beyond legislative measures.
- USDA Secretary, Brooke Rollins Says She Will Fix SNAP Fraud: 186,000 Deceased men, woman and children have been found to receiving SNAP benefits.
- University of Providence - Great Falls Fiscally Fails: When you rely on someone else to pay your bills, a reckoning will ultimately happen. The University of Providence is finding out the hard way. They have laid off 7 support staff so far with more seemingly on the way.
- GREAT FALLS NATIVE COMES HOME TO SERVE: Great Falls native and attorney Trevor Funseth launches bid for Montana's 21st House District.
- Power Outages Affect Montana from Wyoming Transmission Lines: Tens of thousands in Montana experienced outages after two high-voltage lines tripped near Medicine Bow, Wyoming, impacting regional power supply.
- Former Troy Police Officer Sought in Evidence Tampering Probe: Layton Artigo, recently terminated from the Troy Police Department, turned himself in amid an investigation into misconduct and evidence tampering.
- Missing Teen Sought by Blackfeet Law Enforcement: Authorities are searching for 15-year-old James Patterson, last seen on November 2. He is described as 5'6", 145 lbs, with black hair and brown eyes. Tips are requested.
- Many Glacier Road Closed for the Season in Glacier National Park: Glacier National Park officials announced the closure of Many Glacier Road due to seasonal conditions, effective immediately.
- Lawsuit Challenges Montana Water Well Law for Rural Subdivisions: Environmental groups have sued the state over a law allowing water wells in low-density rural areas without permits, arguing it risks groundwater contamination and over-extraction.
- New CWD Case in Deer on Flathead Reservation Prompts Testing Push: A deer on the Flathead Indian Reservation tested positive for chronic wasting disease, leading wildlife officials to urge hunters to submit samples for testing to monitor spread.
- Avian Flu Detected in Wild Bird on Blackfeet Reservation: Officials confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza in a wild bird sample from the Blackfeet Reservation. This marks a concerning development for wildlife health in the area.
- Secret DEI Program at Billings Clinic: Reports surfaced of a secret DEI training program at Billings Clinic, defying a presidential executive order, including policies on pronouns and staff education.
- Billings Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Murder: Dameka Rose American Horse pleaded not guilty to federal murder charges related to a November 2024 killing near Pryor on the Crow Indian Reservation. She faces life in prison if convicted.
- Poaching Investigations: Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking information on a mule deer buck shot and left to waste in Black Eagle Park, reported on November 9. Additionally, three elk were found shot and abandoned on the Sun River Wildlife Management Area near Augusta.
- School Budget Adjustments: Cascade County Commissioners corrected mill levies for Great Falls Public Schools. The school board also approved $5,000 for installing a Raiders Course at Paris Gibson Education Center for the JROTC program.
- House Fire Response: Great Falls Fire Rescue responded to a fire at 800 4th Ave SW on the evening of November 15. No further details on injuries or cause have been released.
- Not Enough!: In Billings, demonstrators rallied against Gov. Greg Gianforte during a "Liberty Dinner," criticizing delays in SNAP benefits processing. Protesters argue the backlog leaves families struggling as winter approaches, demanding faster action.
- College Football: Montana Grizzlies crushed Portland State 63-17, with Keali’i Ah Yat accounting for four TDs and Eli Gillman rushing for two. Montana State pulls away from #9 UC Davis 38-17, sets up a Brawl of the Wild for the Big Sky Championship.
- Hunters Warned on Carcass Disposal Amid Rising Violations: FWP reminds hunters that improper disposal of animal remains can lead to loss of hunting privileges. Recent cases highlight the need for proper waste management to protect wildlife and public health during the season.
- Man Convicted in Grisly Campsite Murder Initially Blamed on Bear Attack: A jury has found Daren Christopher Abbey guilty of the brutal murder of Dustin Kjersem at a remote campsite near Big Sky. Abbey, linked to white supremacist groups, attacked Kjersem with an axe, wood block, and screwdriver. The crime was first reported as a bear mauling but unraveled during investigation. Abbey faces life in prison; sentencing is pending.
- New York Jets Player Shot: Kris Boyd was shot in the abdomen around 2am Sunday morning in midtown Manhattan.
- High School Football: Billings West hangs on for a thrilling 20-17 win over Big Sky in the Class AA semifinals, will take on Glacier in State Championship Game.
- United States Extradites Three Alleged Members of Tren de Aragua to Chile: Alleged gang members will face prosecution for murder, kidnapping, and other violent offenses.
- Trump Goes Nuclear on Marjorie Taylor Greene, Rep Responds: President calls his former ally a ranting lunatic while Greene claps back that it is about the Epstein file release.
- Billings Woman Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Murder Charges: Dameka Rose American Horse entered a not guilty plea in connection with a 2024 killing near Pryor on the Crow Reservation, facing life in prison if convicted.
- White Supremacist Convicted in Brutal Montana Killing: Daren Christopher Abbey was found guilty of a murder so violent it was initially mistaken for a bear attack.
- Montana Grizzlies Basketball Win: Malik Williams scores 31 points as the University of Montana defeats Cal Poly 90-82 in a college basketball game.
- Hemp Research & Development Meeting: The Montana Department of Agriculture is holding a public meeting on hemp research and development, focusing on advancing the industry in the state.
- Property Tax Cuts Implementation: Montana's Department of Revenue is establishing rules to implement property tax reductions for residents, following major 2025 legislation that shifted tax bills significantly for homeowners.
- Cascade County Sheriff Cancels OnSolve/CodeRed Contract: Click here for details.
- Bozeman Police Department Weekly Numbers: Bozeman Police stay busy with an active week.
- Great Falls Police Update on Explosive Device: GFPD provided details on an incident involving a suspected explosive at Gibson Park; investigation ongoing with no injuries reported.