No Means to Process Sheep Creek Ore
Concerns surrounding the proposed Sheep Creek mine in Montana largely focus on the lack of infrastructure to process its ore. The deposit contains rare earth elements and gallium, but the United States currently has limited domestic capacity to refine these materials. Critics of the project, which is located in the Bitterroot National Forest near the Idaho border, argue that developing the mine would increase reliance on foreign processing facilities—primarily in China—due to the absence of large-scale U.S. refining operations.
Montana Supreme Court Dismisses “Held 2.0” Climate Legal Challenge
The Montana Supreme Court has dismissed an attempt by 13 young Montanans to challenge new state laws passed earlier this year, following the successful Held climate case. On Tuesday, the court said the plaintiffs filed the lawsuit in the wrong venue. Challenges to state law typically begin in state district court and only reach the Montana Supreme Court if a lower court’s decision is appealed.
Trump Approves Emergency Declaration for Montana Floods
President Donald Trump has approved Montana’s request for a presidential emergency declaration in response to flooding across northwestern Montana. Governor Greg Gianforte requested the declaration on December 16 to secure federal funding and assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The aid will help cover emergency response costs in Lincoln and Sanders counties and the Blackfeet Nation.
Department of Commerce Allocates Public and Community Facilities Grants to Five Communities
The towns of Darby, Ennis, Philipsburg, and Richey, along with the city of Roundup, will share more than $3.4 million in grant funding for the construction or rehabilitation of vital infrastructure and community facility projects. The funding is provided through the Montana Department of Commerce’s Community Development Block Grant Public and Community Facilities Program.
As CWD Continues to Spread, Montana FWP Reports 2025 Sampling Results
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks reports that more than 8,000 chronic wasting disease samples were collected during the 2025 general sampling season. Of those, 428 tested positive for the always-fatal disease. Positive cases included 247 white-tailed deer, 178 mule deer, and three elk.
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The process of repairing and replacing bridges washed out by flooding in Lincoln County began this week as federal, state, and local agencies complete damage assessments. Officials have not yet determined which bridges will be prioritized. Damage to county-owned infrastructure—including roads, bridges, and culverts—exceeds $5 million.
A grizzly bear sighting was confirmed in the Bangtail Range east of Bozeman this month, marking the first sighting in the area since grizzly bear recovery efforts began. A trail camera captured images of a single subadult grizzly on national forest land. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks specialists confirmed the sighting.
Weyerhaeuser awarded $111,500 in philanthropic grants across northwest Montana through its Giving Fund in 2025. A total of 31 grants were distributed to nonprofits, community organizations, and school districts in Kalispell, Columbia Falls, Whitefish, and other rural communities.
The Hamilton Downtown Foundation is working to bring an ice rink back to the city. The nonprofit announced its plans during this year’s Hamilton Christmas Stroll and has since been addressing planning and logistical details. The project aims to honor a community-built ice rink that existed in the 1990s.
St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Whitefish is nearing completion of an extensive repair, renovation, and beautification project that may be finished in time for Christmas Mass. Improvements include a new ceiling, insulation, lighting, fans, and energy-efficient windows. Future phases will add angels and new altars to the sanctuary.
