Montana State News

Alberton book store increasing literacy for locals, travelers alike

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 01:11:02 +0000

While Alberton is the gateway west to Mineral County, the Montana Valley Book Store with over 100,000 titles is the gateway to increase literacy for the small town and beyond.

"My six year old grandson, Jordan, when he sounded out his first word and realized he had read the word, he clapped his hands together and said, 'Grandma, I'm reading'," Shop Owner and Caretaker Keren Wolhart said.

A love of books runs in the family for Wolhart.

"You see that light come on and you see it continue to build and then the whole world, the phrase the world's your oyster, it's there because he can read and discern information himself," she said.

Wolhart's parents opened the Montana Valley Book Store in 1978. Since then, they've been seeing books come in and out of their doors for decades.

"Just a wealth of knowledge in here because I have so many different subjects. I have a basement full of paperbacks, so there's virtually everything, every kind of book in here," Wolhart said.

For young readers in Alberton, getting hands on anything from novels to poetry opens new chapters.

"I let local kids borrow books and I tell them don't tell everybody you can borrow the books," Wolhart said. "How could I not share what I have here with the local kids?"

She believes sitting down with a book brings a needed, tactile experience in a digital age.

"You've got the sense and the feel of a book, you hear the sound of the pages turning left, right, top, bottom of the page, page numbers, all of that stimulates your brain activity," she said.

For generations to come, Wolhart wants to keep books accessible in Alberton and for those stopping in from their travels on I-90.

"I'm not moving. Where would I go that I love any more than this," she said.

Great Falls facility helps parents navigate education system for children with disabilities

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:45:26 +0000

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act paved the way for 100 parent training and information centers across the country, with at least one in each state catering to families and parents of kids with special needs. In Montana, it's the Montana Empowerment Center located in Great Falls.

Tim McGonigal reports - watch the video:

Great Falls facility helps parents navigate education system for children with disabilities

"I think that people with disabilities are teaching all of us what their abilities are," said Heidi Gibson, executive director of the Montana Empowerment Center.

Gibson leads the Treasure State's parent training and information center, which serves a critical role for families navigating complex special education systems.

"Our mission is to help parents with children with disabilities ages 0 to 26, to help them navigate the special education process," Gibson said.

The center serves all 56 counties and thousands of families, providing guidance on topics including special education rights, Individualized Education Programs or IEPs, and the transition from high school to adulthood.

"We help families put together a plan about where they're going to live and where they're going to work and what their adult life is going to look like," Gibson said.

Free services with personal experience

The center's services are free and confidential and funded partially through federal dollars along with foundation grants and donations.

"We're not trying to sell a product. We just want to be able to support a caregiver, a parent, on how to best help support their child, their student, and work with the schools to be the best partners they can for the most success for their child," said Jean Schroder, program coordinator.

One thing that sets the center apart is that staff and supporters have firsthand experience with the mission.

"We're actually required under our federal funding to have a board that the majority are parents with children under the age of 26 with a disability," Gibson said.

Schroder can relate personally. Her son Jordan may be best known as being the face behind Pumpkins for a Cause. She says the center can help parents of kids with disabilities alleviate the anxiety and burden of finding help.

"To be able to know that there are people out there that can help you get started on, okay, there are supports available for you. This is how you connect to them, is really helpful," Schroder said.

Statewide reach and resources

The center may be housed in a small office in Great Falls, but it has a big statewide impact.

"We've been to all the reservations in Montana. So just want to put things in people's hands. And we have an 800 number. We've got a very active Facebook page. Our website has many things on it, including all of our resources as well as we've got over 40 on-demand webinars. Many of them are less than 10 minutes that break all these things up into little pieces," Schroder said.

It's important to know the center works closely with students facing disabilities that don't stand out on the surface.

"So we want to bring light to the fact that not all disabilities are visible, but they can impact their lives just as much," Gibson said.

Gibson and Schroder say there's no manual for parents of kids with disabilities, making an organization like the Montana Empowerment Center invaluable.

"Having a group like this that can bring other parents together and to be able to share experiences and being coached and encouraged by someone who has been through that journey, I think that's our real strength," Gibson said.

"Our kids are way more alike than they are different. We all learn differently. All of us learn differently. And we want to find the right fit for them and the supports, because they can achieve whatever they want as well," Schroder said.

Upcoming workshops

The Montana Empowerment Center has several IEP workshops coming up, starting this Saturday at the Great Falls Public Library.

A session for professionals who work with families takes place September 18 at the Alliance for Youth. And a session for parents with a focus on transition to adulthood takes place October 2 at Alliance for Youth.

"IEP boot camp gives the 30,000-foot view of what an IEP is, what it looks like under the law, how it's implemented and the voice that the parent has at the IEP team table. And many times parents aren't sure if they have an equal voice at the table. And we're here to coach them through the process to ensure them that they do," Gibson said.

"There are about 21,000 students with IEPs across Montana, and that doesn't include those that are covered under the Rehabilitation Act of 1975, section 504. So those students also are entitled to having protections under the 504. And when families come to us, they are looking for information and tools to navigate that system. So we really help them through that to know that they're not alone," Gibson said.

Paddleboarders launch journey to 'Stand Up To Cancer'

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:36:38 +0000

FORT BENTON A team of paddleboarders is hitting the water this week for a 206-mile journey down the Missouri River, all in the name of standing up to cancer. Paddlers Jena Sabatini and Kelly McDermott launched from Fort Benton on Tuesday morning, beginning the second leg of what will ultimately be a three-year journey.

Aneesa Coomer reports - watch the video:

Paddleboarders launch journey to 'Stand Up To Cancer'

This years stretch will take them from Fort Benton to Fort Peck, covering more than 200 miles over the course of 8 to 10 days, depending on weather conditions.

The paddle is organized by Stand Up To Cancer Support, with proceeds benefiting Cancer Support Community Montana, a nonprofit that provides free programs and resources for anyone impacted by cancer.

Services include emotional support groups, education, wellness activities, travel assistance, and more.

Organizers say their long-term goal is to open a new chapter in Helena while continuing to support Montanans statewide.

McDermott says, Were thinking about all the people that are represented with these miles, thinking about their journey, and were here to stand up for them.

Last year, the team paddled more than 240 miles from Headwaters State Park to Fort Benton, raising awareness and funds along the way.

This years route is more remote, requiring months of logistical planning and preparation. The team expects to average 25 to 35 miles a day, traveling about 3 to 5 miles per hour on the river.

So far, the effort has raised more than $15,000, with a goal of reaching $20,600, representing $100 for each mile paddled. Supporters can sponsor a mile either in honor or in memory of a loved one.

This years launch also carried special meaning for MTN News. The first mile of the journey was dedicated to longtime MTN employee Wendy Hill, who passed away from cancer last year.

MTN colleague Chad McMillan joined the paddleboarders for that opening stretch in Wendys honor.

McMillan said, This first mile is in honor of Wendy Hill, our dear friend and longtime coworker at MTN. She gave more than 20 years of service and was an incredible colleague and person. Were just happy to be here honoring her.

The paddleboarders say they carry the memory of Wendy and countless others with every stroke.

Sabatini says, People like Wendy, and others who have dedicated additional miles down the road, we will be holding them in our hearts as we as we take on on this journey.

To learn more about the journey or to sponsor a mile, click here.

District court judge intervenes in PSC dispute

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 23:24:40 +0000

A Montana District Court Judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking Gov. Greg Gianforte from taking any action to suspend Montana Public Service Commission President Brad Molnar.

The order from Judge Mike Menahan comes one day after PSC voted, 3 - 2, not to rescind a letter sent by the PSC Response Team to Gianforte requesting that the governor place Molnar on temporary leave while the response team completes its investigation into allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct, including accusations of harassment and retaliation. The commission is comprised solely of Republican members.

Molnar has disputed the claims, saying the investigation is a violation of his constitutional rights. He has further alleged that it was an attempt to overturn the will of the voters and that the timing of the letter was conveniently around the same time they were hearing important rate cases.

Vice-President Jennifer Fielder, who heads the PSC Response Team, has alleged Molnar was actively trying to prevent the investigation from moving forward. On Wednesday at the PSC work session discussing the issue, she described what she sees as a clear pattern of behavior, including Molnar denying funding to the HR firm and legal representation working for the PSC Response Team.

The PSC Response Team would normally be headed by the PSC President, but is being headed by Fielder since the subject of the investigation is President Molnar.

The law cited in PSC Response Teams request for the governor to place Molnar on leave has never been used.

In his order, Menahan points out that there is a way for commissioners to suspend a member themselves, needing four of the five members to vote in favor.

Allowing Defendant Fielder to bypass these mandatory requirements would render such safeguards meaningless and create a dangerous precedent for circumventing democratic processes, wrote Menahan. The timing of this complaintfiled within 24 hours of a major utility merger announcement that Commissioner Molnar is uniquely qualified to evaluateraises serious concerns about the complaint's true purpose and threatens both democratic institutions and the public's interest in thorough utility regulation.

A hearing for a preliminary injunction is set for Sept.16, 2025.

Read Judge Menahan's full order:

How to watch the Grizzlies and Bobcats games on Saturday, September 6

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 22:44:07 +0000

The 2025 college football season is under way, and Montana and Montana State have their home openers on Saturday, Sept. 6.

The third-ranked Bobcats, who started their season last week with a 59-13 loss at FBS Oregon, welcome #2 South Dakota State to Bozeman for a matchup between FCS powerhouses. The game kicks off at 6 p.m. Saturday inside Bobcat Stadium for Montana State's annual Gold Rush game.

The sixth-ranked Grizzlies, meanwhile, will be playing their first game of 2025. Montana was off last week and will begin its season against Division II Central Washington in Missoula on Saturday. Kickoff is slated for 6 p.m. at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

Montana State's game with South Dakota State will be broadcast on KRTV in Great Falls, KXLH in Helena, KXLF in Butte, KBZK in Bozeman, and KTVQ in Billings.

In Missoula and the Flathead Valley, the MSU vs. SDSU game will air on The SpotMTN, which is available on Spectrum cable, DirecTV, DirecTV Stream, Fubo and over the air with an antenna or Tablo.

The Montana vs.Central Washington game will air at 6 p.m. on KPAX in Missoula and the Flathead Valley, and on The SpotMTN channel across the rest of Montana.

Both games will also stream live on ESPN+.

The Saturday Showdown Postgame Show will immediately follow both games.

Fawn shot and left to waste on archery range in Billings

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 21:53:31 +0000

GREAT FALLS A young deer was shot with an arrow and left to waste on an archery range in Yellowstone County.

Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks (FWP) responded on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 to a report of a mule deer fawn that had been shot with an arrow in the hindquarters and left to waste on the property of the Billings Rod & Gun Club archery range.

FWP Warden Courtney Tyree believes the fawn was shot at least a week ago.

Club staff noticed the smell of decomposition and discovered the deer, which still has the arrow protruding.

The property is about a mile west of the airport.

Anyone who has information connected to the incident is encouraged to contact Warden Tyree at 406-860-7814 or ctyree@mt.gov, or visit the TIP-MONT website by clicking here.

You may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Rescued animals getting ready for adoption in Great Falls

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 19:41:34 +0000

GREAT FALLS - Dozens of dogs and cats rescued from a recent animal cruelty case in Cascade County are continuing their road to recovery at the Maclean-Cameron Adoption Center.

The shelter took in 37 animals following the case, many arriving dirty or in need of routine medical care.

Staff say the days following their arrival have been focused on observing them, updating vaccinations, and building trust with the animals.

"When we first took in the animals, they were in individual kennels. They looked very timid and afraid. It was apparent to us that the animals had likely been in the kennels for the majority of their lifetime," said Pam Volk, director of the Maclean-Cameron Animal Adoption Center. "In order to continue to get them ready to be adopted out. Were giving them lots of love. Were working to make sure they know how to walk on a lead. So were just getting ready for them to be animals in a home that can be loved.

In the meantime, the shelter is asking for community support. Volunteers are needed for daily chores such as dishes, laundry, and kennel cleaning.

Donations of blankets, food, and toys are also in high demand as the shelter cares for the influx of animals.

Katie Ober, executive assistant at the facility, explained, "When it comes to caring for the animals in our facility, there are so many moving parts involved, so we always need help with so many various tasks. Such as enriching our animals, walking our dogs, doing dishes, laundry, and restocking. There is all sorts of things that all different people can help with."

While the animals are not ready for adoption, the shelter is prioritizing pairing and placing them in suitable homes. Ensuring the potential adopters are vetted and have the opportunity to form a bond with the animal beforehand.

From the MCAAC:

Our staff has spent this past week assessing the current situation and creating a plan moving forward! With 37 new faces at MCAAC, there has been a lot of assessing, vaccinating, and cleaning! If you are interested in adopting, volunteering, or donating, read below to see how you can help! ADOPTION: Right now, we have adoption viewing and adoptions available by appointment. Please call 406-727-7387 to schedule your appointment! All available animals have discounted adoption fees! Adoption fees for cats are now $25 and our dog adoption fees are $50. VOLUNTEERS: If you are one of our current adult volunteers, we would love for you to stop by! We are needing help with dishes, laundry, and other various cleaning tasks! DONATIONS: We are looking for in-kind as well as monetary donations to help us cover the cost of caring for these precious animals. We are looking for donations of towels, blankets, dog and cat toys, dog treats, and Science Diet Adult Dog and Science Diet Puppy food.

For information about fostering an animal, contact the MCAAC by clicking here. Donations can be made directly to the MCAAC by clicking here.

Your Photos (September 4, 2025)

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:32:58 +0000

GREAT FALLS Check out the photos below that were shared with KRTV - thank you to all who sent them in!

Your Photos (September 4, 2025)

Do you have a video or photo that you would like to share? A funny moment, a cute animal, some stunning scenery, a happy surprise? Send it to us! It might show up on a newscast, or be included in a compilation of viewer-submitted videos.

Mobile mammograms provide early detection for Montana inmates in Boulder

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 17:02:22 +0000

BOULDER - From the outside, it may just look like a bus, but on the inside is the key to lifesaving early detection of breast cancer, and it is providing mammograms to inmates at Riverside Correctional Facility in Boulder.

Watch the full story:

Mobile mammograms provide early detection for Montana inmates in Boulder

They make us feel very comfortable, and since cancer shows no prejudice, it is really nice that this is available to the ladies here, said Sandi Cantrell, an inmate at the facility.

The Intermountain Health mobile mammogram bus visits over 80 sites annually and has been providing critical care to incarcerated women since 2016.

Being able to provide those services while they are incarcerated really gives our female population an opportunity for early detection for breast cancer, said Todd Boese, the health services manager for the Montana Department of Corrections.

Riverside currently houses 50 inmates, and around 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. To put that in perspective, according to that statistic, six of Riversides 50 female inmates could be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Having the bus visit the prison makes it easier for everyone when it comes to this important health check.

It is the prison, Jerri Doyle, the oncology director at St. James Hospital, says. It is a lot easier for us to come to them than for them to have to transport patients back and forth to a facility.

Although health is the priority, making the women feel welcomed is just as important.

I felt right at home and the women on there were super generous, super nice and made me feel very comfortable, Tiana New, a Riverside inmate, shares.

That kindness is what made inmates like News first mammogram much better than anticipated.

I was scared because a lot of people are like oh, it hurts', New says. It didnt hurt at all and was honestly the best experience I have ever had.

Best experience because she knows she is ensuring her health, thanks to the access many women have not had before.

This makes it easy and accessible for everyone because everyone needs to have a mammogram done," Cantrell says.

Hearing held for Republican Senators' lawsuit against the Montana GOP

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:16:42 +0000

Divisions in the Montana Republican Party have boiled over publicly, both in the Montana Legislature and at the Montana Republican Party's 2025 Officers' Convention this summer.

The disagreement between some Republican senators and the Montana GOP came to a head on Wednesday, with both sides making their case in Lewis and Clark County District Court.

(Watch to see more from inside the hearing)

Hearing held for Republican Senators' lawsuit against the Montana GOP

"There was a motion to remove nine senators from voting," said Sen. Shelley Vance, R-Belgrade.

She is one of the three senators suing the Montana GOP for being removed from the convention in June, preventing them from voting on party leadership.

As we previously reported, a major reason behind their exclusion, along with six other senators, is that the Montana GOP does not consider them Republicans, given their votes with Democrats on key pieces of legislation.

The other two senators who are suing the GOP are former Senate President Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, and Sen. Denley Loge, R-St. Regis.

Emily Jones, the GOP's attorney, asked, "Would you agree with me that you repeatedly voted with democrats during the 2025 legislative session?"

"If I can add to that statement, I repeatedly voted with democrats and republicans," said Sen. Loge.

The chair of the Montana GOP at the time of the convention, who presided over it, "Don K" Kaltschmidt, made a ruling to allow them to be included in voting; however, delegates voted on whether or not to uphold it.

One hundred thirty-six delegates voted to overrule Kaltschmidt, 97 sustained his ruling, and three abstained from voting.

"I was quite shocked, to be quite honest with you," said Sen. Vance. "I believe everything was kind of a surprise. Nothing was forthcoming, and it was kind of a 'gotchya'."

Lawyers defending the Montana GOP asked both Sen. Vance and Sen. Loge about whether or not they made motions or a point of order after the exclusion motion.

Vance said she did not, and Loge said from what he understood, there would be no more discussion on the topic after the vote.

Another witness who gave testimony during the hearing is former House Representative Lola Galloway, who was previously the vice chair and is currently the secretary of the GOP.

"I represent people, too, and people were asking me for that vote in that executive board meeting," said Galloway.

She attended a meeting in February, hosted by the GOP, to discuss what was going on in the legislature.

The three senators' attorney asked, "After you heard the discussion, was it your intent to punish the Nine for their votes in the legislature?"

"Yes," Galloway said.

Now, Sen. Ellsworth's testimony will be submitted electronically along with post-hearing briefs from both sides.

Those must be submitted by Sept. 12, and Judge Abbott will then later make his decision.

Hearing held for Republican Senators' lawsuit against the Montana GOP

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:13:56 +0000

HELENA - Divisions in the Montana Republican Party have boiled over publicly, both in the Montana Legislature and at the Montana Republican Party's 2025 Officers' Convention this summer.

The disagreement between some Republican senators and the Montana GOP came to a head on Wednesday, with both sides making their case in Lewis and Clark County District Court.

Watch to see more from inside the hearing:

Hearing held for Republican Senators' lawsuit against the Montana GOP

"There was a motion to remove nine senators from voting," said Sen. Shelley Vance, R-Belgrade.

She is one of the three senators suing the Montana GOP for being removed from the convention in June, preventing them from voting on party leadership.

As MTN previously reported, a major reason behind their exclusion, along with six other senators, is that the Montana GOP does not consider them Republicans, given their votes with Democrats on key pieces of legislation.

The other two senators who are suing the GOP are former Senate President Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, and Sen. Denley Loge, R-St. Regis.

Emily Jones, the GOP's attorney, asked, "Would you agree with me that you repeatedly voted with Democrats during the 2025 legislative session?"

"If I can add to that statement, I repeatedly voted with Democrats and Republicans," said Sen. Loge.

One hundred thirty-six delegates voted to overrule Kaltschmidt, 97 sustained his ruling, and three abstained from voting.

"I was quite shocked, to be quite honest with you," said Sen. Vance. "I believe everything was kind of a surprise. Nothing was forthcoming, and it was kind of a 'gotcha'."

Lawyers defending the Montana GOP asked both Sen. Vance and Sen. Loge about whether or not they made motions or a point of order after the exclusion motion.

Vance said she did not, and Loge said from what he understood, there would be no more discussion on the topic after the vote.

Another witness who gave testimony during the hearing is former House Representative Lola Galloway, who was previously the vice chair and is currently the secretary of the GOP.

"I represent people, too, and people were asking me for that vote in that executive board meeting," said Galloway.

She attended a meeting in February, hosted by the GOP, to discuss what was going on in the legislature.

The three senators' attorney asked, "After you heard the discussion, was it your intent to punish the nine for their votes in the legislature?"

"Yes," Galloway said.

Now, Sen. Ellsworth's testimony will be submitted electronically along with post-hearing briefs from both sides.

Those must be submitted by September 12th, and Judge Abbott will then later make his decision.

Hearing held for Republican Senators' lawsuit against the Montana GOP

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 15:13:10 +0000