BILLINGS – Bond was set at $1 million Monday for a woman accused of fatally stabbing a man as part of what she described as a satanic “initiation.” A judge set the high bond amount after both a prosecutor and a defense attorney said Nina Mel Cochran has “significant mental health issues. The 32 year … Read more
KALISPELL – Human remains were found at the scene of a home destroyed in a weekend fire near Flathead County. Flathead County 911 dispatchers were notified of a house fire in the 13000 block of North Fork Road Sunday morning and first responders found the body inside the burned down house. The remains are being … Read more
Lake County Commissioners announced Friday they intend to initiate the process of withdrawing from a nearly 60 year-old agreement with the state over criminal jurisdiction within the Flathead Reservation. With the withdrawal process initiated, the county is giving the state six months notice to take over operations completely, which would involve creating their own law … Read more
GREAT FALLS, Mont. – An early morning standoff in Great Falls ended peacefully. The Great Falls Police Department (GFPD) reports officers responded to a domestic disturbance at a residence on 10th Ave. S around 4:00 am, and the suspect fled into a nearby building, with multiple firearms, and refused to come out. He eventually left … Read more
Recently approved funding for the Emergency Winter Shelter aims to increase services as severe winter cold sets in, and the Johnson Street homeless shelter is seeing nearly double the number of unhoused people in Missoula this year. There has also been an increase in the number of people using the Pov’s food programs. The Missoula … Read more
Billings police are investigating a domestic incident in which a Billings woman was removed from a residence. Police say they believe, the ex-boyfriend of, Shanyel StrangeOwl, 30, may be have been involved. StrangeOwl was reported missing Friday and police are urging anyone with information about to come forward. -0-
HELENA – After months of consideration, a state commission has delivered its recommendations on how to distribute up to $300 million in federal funds to improve high-speed internet access in Montana. The ARPA Communications Advisory Commission approved federal funding for 85 broadband projects in 27 Montana counties. Gov. Greg Gianforte will have to give final … Read more
HELENA – Multiple fake reports of violence were made regarding Montana schools Friday, including a false threat in Helena. Helena Public Schools informed parents that Helena Police received a “swatting” call Friday morning regarding Capital High which law enforcement determined was “non-credible.” A second call, which police have also determined to be “non-credible,” was made … Read more
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks has authorized the removal of 250 deer from within Helena city limits to reduce the number of wildlife versus human incidents. Helena Police Department animal control officers conducted urban deer counts in October as part of a culling program. FWP said the program’s two-year hiatus coupled with back-to-back mild winters … Read more
BILLINGS – The name of a 64 year old Billings man found dead inside his South Side Billings home in a bizarre ‘satanic’ ritual has been released. The Yellowstone County Coroner’s Office identified the victim Thursday as Douglas Merrill Nielsen. He died of multiple stab wounds, during what police say a woman told an officer … Read more