An Active Geyser in Yellowstone National Park Has Gone Quiet: Experts Are Not Sure Why
The tallest active geyser in the world sits in Yellowstone National Park’s Norris Geyser Basin. The geyser, which once erupted steaming-hot water hundreds of feet into the air, has gone silent, but the reason remains unclear. Steamboat Geyser was most active between 2018 and early 2023, erupting about 165 times during that period. According to reports, the geyser has now entered a state of stagnation.
Legislature’s Voucher Program Found to Violate the Montana Constitution
The Montana Quality Education Coalition and Disability Rights Montana prevailed Tuesday morning in invalidating House Bill 393, a 2023 bill that created a school voucher program for students with disabilities. The program shifted money from public schools to private individuals and was ruled unconstitutional. The First Judicial District Court granted the plaintiffs’ motion for summary judgment, finding the bill failed to properly appropriate funding as required under the Montana Constitution, Article VIII, Section 14.
Carfentanil Seizures Increasing in Montana
The Montana Department of Justice is warning citizens about the increased presence of the synthetic opioid carfentanil. The Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force recently seized a large amount of dangerous drugs trafficked into Montana from out of state following a tip from a federal partner. The State Crime Lab tested the drugs and found that a 5,300-pill seizure was positive for carfentanil. Typically, seizures involving carfentanil result in only one or two pills being recovered.
State Says Announcement of Laurel Mental Health Facility “Should Have Been Handled Better”
State health officials promised improved communication and transparency to the Laurel City Council on Tuesday regarding the selection of the town as the site of a 32-bed forensic Eastern Montana mental health facility. Board of Investments Director Dan Villa clarified that the agency has not purchased any land or made any offers on potential sites. Villa said that going forward, the council will be informed of any developments through official council meetings.
Extra Patrols in Montana Crack Down on Drunk Drivers
The holiday season is here, and that means extra patrols will be on the roads across the Treasure State cracking down on drunk and drugged drivers. In the first 11 months of the year, Montana’s roadways have seen 178 traffic fatalities. Just over a third are suspected to be alcohol-related, with other drug use suspected in another 28% of traffic fatalities. Not only can driving impaired lead to severe legal consequences, but it can also forever alter the lives of others.
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Kalispell community members will have the chance this evening to meet and vet Jarod Nygren, the sole finalist for the open city manager’s position, during an open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at City Hall. Nygren has been a city employee for nearly 11 years and was appointed interim city manager in August following Doug Russell’s departure.
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The Montana Department of Agriculture is opening seasonal opportunities for individuals interested in supporting potato inspections across the state. The work begins in mid-February and continues through May, aligning with key inspection needs during the planting season. Hours range from 10 to 40 per week, offering flexibility for students, retirees, or anyone seeking part-time agricultural work.
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Two years after the state health department eliminated a position that Montana tribes said was critical to having their voices heard, the role has been restored. Heidi DeRoche, who previously held several roles within the Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Office of American Indian Health, will now serve as the tribal relations manager.
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During the winter in Montana, it’s important to keep an emergency travel kit inside your vehicle. The Montana Highway Patrol says it should include a first aid kit, jumper cables, a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable food, and road flares, among other essentials.
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State officials are reporting mixed hunting results across Montana as the general deer and elk season ended at the end of November. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks collects data through check stations and reports success rates and harvest numbers.
