Western Montana News
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A Shelby woman with prior immigration convictions received just three months in prison for harboring undocumented immigrants across three Montana counties. The case involved multiple traffic stops and revealed a pattern of transporting people from Canada.
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Repeat Offender Gets Just 3 Months for Harboring Illegal Aliens Across Three Montana Counties | Western Montana News
Kristin Louise Mitchell drove from Shelby to East Helena to bail DUI driver out of jail, sheltered three undocumented men at her home
www.westernmt.news
December 12, 2025 at 4:01 AM
A Shelby woman with prior immigration convictions received just three months in prison for harboring undocumented immigrants across three Montana counties. The case involved multiple traffic stops and revealed a pattern of transporting people from Canada.
www.westernmt.news/2025/12/11/r...
www.westernmt.news/2025/12/11/r...
Montana declares disaster as atmospheric river brings record rainfall to northwestern counties. 6.5 inches fell in 24 hours, washing out bridges and closing major highways. Multiple communities affected as rivers reach flood stage.
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Record Rainfall Floods Libby, Troy as Governor Declares Disaster | Western Montana News
Atmospheric river dumps record 6.5 inches in 24 hours, washing out multiple bridges
www.westernmt.news
December 12, 2025 at 3:19 AM
Montana declares disaster as atmospheric river brings record rainfall to northwestern counties. 6.5 inches fell in 24 hours, washing out bridges and closing major highways. Multiple communities affected as rivers reach flood stage.
www.westernmt.news/2025/12/11/r...
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Two Mexican men sentenced to 39 days after November traffic stop near Malta, where Highway 191 from Canada intersects Highway 2—a key corridor for north-south traffic from the international border. Part of Operation Take Back America nationwide initiative.
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Two Mexican Men Sentenced After Traffic Stop Near Malta on Highway 2 | Western Montana News
Border Patrol and Phillips County Sheriff's Office investigated illegal reentry case at key corridor from Canadian border
www.westernmt.news
December 12, 2025 at 2:46 AM
Two Mexican men sentenced to 39 days after November traffic stop near Malta, where Highway 191 from Canada intersects Highway 2—a key corridor for north-south traffic from the international border. Part of Operation Take Back America nationwide initiative.
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$800,000 to build a bridge. $800,000 to remove it. Less than 10 years between. Travis Mateer warned about the "bridge to nowhere" in 2019. Now Missoula officials want to create what one citizen called a pipeline of hole digging and filling projects.
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Missoula's $800,000 Pedestrian Bridge Slated for Removal Less Than a Decade After Construction | Western Montana News
City's West Broadway Corridor master plan proposes removing bridge at same cost as original construction, creating pipeline of hole digging and filling projects
www.westernmt.news
December 11, 2025 at 3:26 PM
$800,000 to build a bridge. $800,000 to remove it. Less than 10 years between. Travis Mateer warned about the "bridge to nowhere" in 2019. Now Missoula officials want to create what one citizen called a pipeline of hole digging and filling projects.
www.westernmt.news/2025/12/11/m...
www.westernmt.news/2025/12/11/m...
Governor Gianforte donated a quarter of his annual salary to the NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program, which has built 48 affordable homes while training students in construction skills since 1998.
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Gov. Gianforte Donates Salary to Great Falls Program Training Students in Construction | Western Montana News
High School House Program has built 48 affordable homes since 1998 while teaching workforce skills
www.westernmt.news
December 11, 2025 at 12:45 AM
Governor Gianforte donated a quarter of his annual salary to the NeighborWorks Great Falls High School House Program, which has built 48 affordable homes while training students in construction skills since 1998.
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A Mexican man with eight prior deportations has been sentenced in Montana federal court for his second felony illegal reentry conviction, marking one of the most extensive removal histories in recent federal immigration cases in the state.
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Mexican Man With Eight Prior Deportations Sentenced for Second Felony Illegal Reentry in Montana | Western Montana News
Mendoza-Almanza's ninth illegal entry marks one of Montana's most extensive removal histories in recent federal cases
www.westernmt.news
December 11, 2025 at 12:26 AM
A Mexican man with eight prior deportations has been sentenced in Montana federal court for his second felony illegal reentry conviction, marking one of the most extensive removal histories in recent federal immigration cases in the state.
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A Billings man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a child on the Crow Indian Reservation in 2019. Matthew Paul Stopsatprettyplaces, 49, faces up to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 2026.
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Stopsatprettyplaces Guilty of Sexually Abusing Child on Crow Reservation | Western Montana News
49-year-old Billings man faces up to life in prison after jury convicts him of abusing 9-year-old girl on reservation
www.westernmt.news
December 10, 2025 at 11:54 PM
A Billings man has been convicted of sexually assaulting a child on the Crow Indian Reservation in 2019. Matthew Paul Stopsatprettyplaces, 49, faces up to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for April 2026.
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The House has passed legislation reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program, delivering $48 million in backpay to 32 Montana counties. The bipartisan measure extends funding through 2026 for schools, roads and public safety.
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House Passes Bill Returning $48 Million to Montana's Rural Counties | Western Montana News
House reauthorizes Secure Rural Schools program through 2026, delivering backpay to 32 Montana counties
www.westernmt.news
December 10, 2025 at 6:57 PM
The House has passed legislation reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools program, delivering $48 million in backpay to 32 Montana counties. The bipartisan measure extends funding through 2026 for schools, roads and public safety.
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Montana AG Knudsen leads GOP attorneys general calling for Virginia AG-elect Jones to be denied membership to national organizations following disturbing 2022 text messages fantasizing about violence against political opponents and their children.
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Knudsen Joins GOP Attorneys General Urging Ban on Virginia AG Who Fantasized About Murder | Western Montana News
Montana AG says Jones' violent rhetoric poses threat to public trust and fellow attorneys general
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December 10, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Montana AG Knudsen leads GOP attorneys general calling for Virginia AG-elect Jones to be denied membership to national organizations following disturbing 2022 text messages fantasizing about violence against political opponents and their children.
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Four years after eliminating a green roof from the library design to save money, Missoula is spending $1.25M to add it back—approved just weeks after the city adopted a budget with a $2.5M deficit.
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Missoula Moves Forward with Controversial Million Dollar Green Roof for Missoula Library | Western Montana News
Library retrofit begins supplier search four years after feature was cut for budget reasons
www.westernmt.news
December 9, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Four years after eliminating a green roof from the library design to save money, Missoula is spending $1.25M to add it back—approved just weeks after the city adopted a budget with a $2.5M deficit.
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Montana’s first openly gay judge rules denial of “nonbinary” drivers license violated state constitution's equal protection guarantee.
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Judge With History of Democratic Donations Rules Montana Must Issue Nonbinary Driver's License | Western Montana News
State's first openly gay judge rules denial of nonbinary license violated state constitution's equal protection guarantee
www.westernmt.news
December 9, 2025 at 3:56 PM
Montana’s first openly gay judge rules denial of “nonbinary” drivers license violated state constitution's equal protection guarantee.
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OPINION: Instead of stewarding our natural resources to provide prosperity, the Treasure State has locked them away behind red tape, activist lawsuits, and federal micromanagement, writes HD69 candidate Trevor Walter.
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Montana’s Prosperity Depends on Industry, Not Vacation Homes | Western Montana News
Instead of stewarding our natural resources to provide prosperity, the Treasure State has locked them away behind red tape, activist lawsuits, and federal micromanagement
www.westernmt.news
December 9, 2025 at 3:13 PM
OPINION: Instead of stewarding our natural resources to provide prosperity, the Treasure State has locked them away behind red tape, activist lawsuits, and federal micromanagement, writes HD69 candidate Trevor Walter.
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A Texas man has pleaded guilty to buying eagles killed in a massive poaching operation on the Flathead Indian Reservation that resulted in approximately 3,600 bird deaths. The illegal trafficking ring used PayPal to conduct transactions across state lines.
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Texas Man Pleads Guilty in Eagle Trafficking Ring That Killed 3,600 Birds on Flathead Reservation | Western Montana News
Guilty plea reveals PayPal payments for eagles killed on tribal lands
www.westernmt.news
December 5, 2025 at 3:51 PM
A Texas man has pleaded guilty to buying eagles killed in a massive poaching operation on the Flathead Indian Reservation that resulted in approximately 3,600 bird deaths. The illegal trafficking ring used PayPal to conduct transactions across state lines.
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Montana approved $39 million in federal tax credits for 160 apartments across five communities—averaging $247,000 per unit. Taxpayers are financing a substantial portion of development costs through the credits.
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Montana Approves $39 Million in Federal Tax Credits for 160 Apartments | Western Montana News
Tax credit allocation averages $247,000 per unit across five communities
www.westernmt.news
December 4, 2025 at 2:40 PM
Montana approved $39 million in federal tax credits for 160 apartments across five communities—averaging $247,000 per unit. Taxpayers are financing a substantial portion of development costs through the credits.
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A Belgrade woman has pleaded guilty to harboring 12 illegal aliens and operating a fake ID document business from her residence. Eustolia Casarreal-Morales faces up to 10 years in prison and significant fines at sentencing in April 2026.
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Belgrade Woman Pleads Guilty to Harboring Illegal Aliens, Selling Fake IDs | Western Montana News
Eustolia Casarreal-Morales faces up to 10 years in prison after federal raid uncovered 12 illegal aliens and fraudulent documents at residence
www.westernmt.news
December 4, 2025 at 1:58 PM
A Belgrade woman has pleaded guilty to harboring 12 illegal aliens and operating a fake ID document business from her residence. Eustolia Casarreal-Morales faces up to 10 years in prison and significant fines at sentencing in April 2026.
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Chick-fil-A Missoula is hosting a Community Care Event on Friday, December 5. Mobile app orders will direct 15 percent of sales to Bitterroot Mommy & Me, supporting free diaper distribution and pregnancy support services for local families.
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Chick-fil-A Missoula Fundraiser to Support Bitterroot Pregnancy Center Programs | Western Montana News
Bitterroot Mommy & Me will receive 15 percent of mobile app sales Friday from Community Care Event
www.westernmt.news
December 3, 2025 at 7:06 PM
Chick-fil-A Missoula is hosting a Community Care Event on Friday, December 5. Mobile app orders will direct 15 percent of sales to Bitterroot Mommy & Me, supporting free diaper distribution and pregnancy support services for local families.
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Montana hit a new record with over 70,000 business registrations in 2025, but the Secretary of State won't reveal how many are actually based in the state or contributing to the local economy.
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Montana Breaks Business Record, but Secretary Won't Say How Many Are Local | Western Montana News
State surpasses 70,000 registrations in 2025, but office won't say how many represent Montana-based businesses
www.westernmt.news
December 3, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Montana hit a new record with over 70,000 business registrations in 2025, but the Secretary of State won't reveal how many are actually based in the state or contributing to the local economy.
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OPINION: Thomas Jefferson warned us: judges are not philosopher-kings above politics. Montana's CI-132 would enshrine a dangerous lie into our constitution. The money tells the real story.
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The Nonpartisan Judge Lie | Western Montana News
Jefferson warned us about the dangerous myth that judges somehow transcend political passion. Montana's CI-132 would enshrine that lie in our constitution.
www.westernmt.news
December 3, 2025 at 3:40 PM
OPINION: Thomas Jefferson warned us: judges are not philosopher-kings above politics. Montana's CI-132 would enshrine a dangerous lie into our constitution. The money tells the real story.
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Senator Daines is pushing to save 37 stalled hydropower projects nationwide, including Montana's Gordon Butte facility. The bipartisan bill would extend construction deadlines and protect $6.5 billion in energy investment before year-end.
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Daines Pushes to Save Gordon Butte Hydropower Project Before Year-End Deadline | Western Montana News
Bill would extend construction deadlines for 37 projects nationwide representing $6.5 billion in investment
www.westernmt.news
December 2, 2025 at 2:36 PM
Senator Daines is pushing to save 37 stalled hydropower projects nationwide, including Montana's Gordon Butte facility. The bipartisan bill would extend construction deadlines and protect $6.5 billion in energy investment before year-end.
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OPINION: After three years inside Montana's veteran support system, one military wife discovered a painful gap: the public narrative about veteran care does not match the reality families are living. Her story demands honesty.
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The Narrative Does Not Match the Reality in Veteran Care | Western Montana News
One military wife's three-year journey inside Montana's veteran support system
www.westernmt.news
December 2, 2025 at 2:26 PM
OPINION: After three years inside Montana's veteran support system, one military wife discovered a painful gap: the public narrative about veteran care does not match the reality families are living. Her story demands honesty.
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Six Fairfield High School students are now registered officials with the Montana Officials Association, helping solve a statewide referee shortage while developing crucial leadership skills. Meet the teens keeping games on the court.
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Fairfield Teens Address Montana's Referee Shortage | Western Montana News
High school students officiate games for younger players while learning leadership skills
www.westernmt.news
December 2, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Six Fairfield High School students are now registered officials with the Montana Officials Association, helping solve a statewide referee shortage while developing crucial leadership skills. Meet the teens keeping games on the court.
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DHS calls Missoula sexual assault case example of failed vetting as Afghan man fights deportation four years after arrest
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DHS Highlights Missoula Sexual Assault Case in Afghan Vetting Criticism | Western Montana News
Agency calls case example of failed vetting as man fights deportation four years after arrest
www.westernmt.news
December 2, 2025 at 2:16 PM
DHS calls Missoula sexual assault case example of failed vetting as Afghan man fights deportation four years after arrest
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Montana Family Foundation is building a multi-million dollar policy hub three blocks from the Capitol. The new facility will house policy staff, Christian attorneys, and a nonprofit incubator in its first vertically integrated center.
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Montana Family Foundation Building Multi-Million Dollar Policy Hub Three Blocks from Capitol | Western Montana News
Three-story facility will house policy staff, Christian attorneys, and nonprofit incubator
www.westernmt.news
December 2, 2025 at 4:39 AM
Montana Family Foundation is building a multi-million dollar policy hub three blocks from the Capitol. The new facility will house policy staff, Christian attorneys, and a nonprofit incubator in its first vertically integrated center.
www.westernmt.news/2025/12/01/m...
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Two Box Elder men pleaded not guilty Monday to federal murder charges stemming from a July 29 armed robbery attempt on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation that left one person dead. Both face potential life sentences if convicted.
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Two Men Arraigned on Murder Charges in Rocky Boy's Reservation Incident | Western Montana News
Defendants accused of armed robbery attempt that left one person dead on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation
www.westernmt.news
November 26, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Two Box Elder men pleaded not guilty Monday to federal murder charges stemming from a July 29 armed robbery attempt on Rocky Boy's Indian Reservation that left one person dead. Both face potential life sentences if convicted.
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A second downtown gun incident in 10 days has reignited concerns in Missoula about public safety and how officials share crime information with residents. The latest incident raises questions about mugshot transparency.
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Two Gun Incidents in 10 Days Spark Debate Over Crime, Transparency in Missoula | Western Montana News
Pattern of downtown gun violence sparks questions about how officials share crime information
www.westernmt.news
November 26, 2025 at 5:08 PM
A second downtown gun incident in 10 days has reignited concerns in Missoula about public safety and how officials share crime information with residents. The latest incident raises questions about mugshot transparency.
www.westernmt.news/2025/11/26/t...
www.westernmt.news/2025/11/26/t...