BLM seeks public comment on proposed sapphire mine near Hauser Lake
The Bureau of Land Management is looking for public comment on a proposed Montana Sapphire Mining Company permit on public land on the shore of Hauser Lake outside Helena. If approved it would conduct placer mining and processing to recover sapphires from McCune Bar gravels over five years.
Michael Brown Captured After Multi-Day Manhunt for Anaconda Bar Shooting
Michael Brown, the suspect in the fatal shooting of four people at an Anaconda bar on August 1, was apprehended Friday afternoon after a multi-day manhunt involving hundreds of officers. Brown was captured near the Ranch Bar on Montana Highway 1, specifically in or near an old abandoned trailer. Bill Everett, Anaconda-Deer Lodge County’s chief executive, confirmed Brown’s capture, expressing relief that the ordeal ended and Anaconda could find some respite.
Billings Business Owner Launches Fundraising Effort for Anaconda Shooting Victims
One week ago, today four people were shot and killed in Anaconda in the Owl bar and Rachel Dehler the owner of High Tide Casino and Bar in Billings had an idea. She was on Voices of Montana today and explained what she hopes will happen.
Rachel Dehler
Information on how donations can be made can be found on the High Tide Casino and Bar’s Facebook page. A Go Fund Me has also been set up for the cause.
Montana Outfitter Faces Charges for Failing to Report Grizzly Bear Killing
Bryant Mikkelson of Timber Mountain Outfitters is charged with failing to report the accidental killing of a grizzly bear while hunting black bear in Montana’s Highwood Mountains. He shot the grizzly on May 27 but only reported the incident two weeks later, after federal authorities received an anonymous tip. Grizzlies are protected under the Endangered Species Act, making hunting them illegal. Mikkelson, indicted in U.S. District Court in Great Falls, faces one year of probation and a $10,000 fine. He is scheduled to enter a plea on September 9.
Anaconda locals remain on edge as search for suspected gunman nears one week
Law enforcement presence increased dramatically Thursday in Anaconda as a nearly weeklong search continued west of town for the suspected killer of four people one week ago in the Owl bar. The search for the 45-year-old military veteran is on the lam and likely unstable. He knows the area well from past experiences hiking backpacking and hunting.
State Supreme Court sides with judge in lawsuit by former Montana Freemen
The Montana Supreme Court has ruled former Freemen Rodney Skurdal cannot sue Yellowstone County justice of the peace Jeanne Walker for blocking him from defending his friend Ronald Trow in a criminal proceeding saying Walker’s actions were within the scope of her job and protected by judicial immunity. Many of the arguments Skurdal made were views espoused by the 1990’s anti-government movement which ended in an 81 day armed standoff with the FBI near Jordan.
As MT childcare industry continues to struggle a program proven to help comes to an end
Dozens of childcare employees across the state will lose access to a government program that helps them afford the cost of day care for their own kids so they can remain in the workforce. Existing federal grant subsidies to offset tuition for children of employees will be honored through the end of the year.
Obamacare Premiums Set to Spike 18 Percent
Rates for health insurance premiums in the federal government marketplace are expected to increase by 18% in 2026. The Kaiser Family Foundation analysis includes proposed rate changes from 312 insurers in all 50 states including Montana and the District of Columbia. On average insurers in the Affordable Care Act marketplace are raising premiums by about 20% in 2026.
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Republic Services is set to take over Tri-County Disposal which has done the Helena area’s trash hauling for over 30 years. The Public Service Commission has approved a transfer of Tri-County’s hauling permit to collect waste within 35 miles of Helena’s city limits handing it to Republic Services.
Thursday Missoula County Commissioners placed a $1.8 million mill levy for road and bridge infrastructure on the local November election ballot. The ballot measure needs simple majority approval from county residents before it can be added to tax bills in fiscal year 2027.
School is almost back in session in Bozeman and First Student the company that runs the bus program for its schools is looking to hire more people to transport students to and from school. The company is offering $41 an hour for new bus drivers and $28.13 for bus monitors who are responsible for ensuring children’s safety during transport.
The City of Great Falls has approved its first-ever conditional use permit for marijuana cultivation within city limits. The city commission granted it to Flower Montana to operate the secure cultivation facility. Marijuana businesses are allowed with city approval on a case-by-case basis.
The city of Billings is shutting down its swimming pools a little earlier this summer due to a shortage of lifeguards. The wading pools will close for the season next Friday afternoon at 6. South Park Pool will shut down at the same time August 24th while Rose Pool will remain open with reduced hours based on lifeguard availability from August 25 to the 30th.
