Number of DUI samples testing positive for pot are getting higher

HELENA – The number of DUI samples testing positive for pot are getting higher. The 2021 annual report from the DOJ’s state crime lab shows that in 2021, the first year after voter-approved Initiative 190 decriminalized possession of marijuana, the crime lab reported 621 DUI cases where samples tested positive for THC. The report noted … Read more

Lake Mary Ronan State Park will reopen Wednesday

KALISPELL – State wildlife officials have announced that Lake Mary Ronan State Park will reopen Wednesday. Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) had closed the park due to the nearby Elmo Fire. According to a news release, it’s been determined that it’s safe to reopen the state park and resume normal operations at the site, … Read more

Case of monkeypox has been reported in Gallatin County

BOZEMAN – A case of monkeypox has been reported in Gallatin County. The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and Gallatin City-County Health Department (GCCHD) confirmed on Tuesday, [Aug. 9], a Gallatin County adult has tested for the virus. Gallatin City-County Health Department is performing contact tracing and will reach out to anyone … Read more

State leaders working to distribute federal funding for Internet upgrades in Montana

HELENA – State leaders are preparing to make their recommendations on how to distribute more than $200 million in federal funding to expand access to high-speed Internet in Montana. Montana’s ARPA Communications Advisory Commission held a meeting Monday and reviewed dozens of proposed projects to improve or expand broadband service in unserved and underserved areas. … Read more

Never too late for redemption

Although redemption arrived a bit late, two men say they finally mustered up the courage to right a wrong they committed over twenty years ago at a Boozeman business. In a letter, both apologized to the hotel in Bozeman, where they say they smashed landscaping lights on Y2K in 1999, after a night of drinking, … Read more

Eight structures lost to Elmo Fire

ELMO – A total of eight structures have been lost to the Elmo Fire. That’s according to the latest update about the blaze which has reached more than 50% containment. The Lake County Sheriff’s Office announced evacuations had been lifted along Lake Mary Ronan Road (Hwy 352), however, this area will remain under pre-evacuation warning … Read more

Montana’s crash fatality numbers are up

After Montana’s crash fatality numbers dropped significantly in the first part of 2022, they increased drastically last month [July]. 35 people died on Montana’s roads and highways in July, according to the Montana Highway Patrol. The MHP attributed the uptick to people not wearing a safety belt or helmet, as summer is typically considered motorcycle … Read more

Crews making good progress containing Matt Staff Fire

The DNRC says fire crews have made good progress containing the Matt Staff Fire. The fire which started Thursday, was listed at near 40 percent contained and had not grown significantly over the weekend. On Sunday firefighters planned to attack hot spots and said aerial resources, including scoopers and helicopters, could be called in to … Read more