Montana

Study of Clark Fork shows pollution more widespread than previously thought

Published

2 years ago

May 30, 2024

Study of Clark Fork shows pollution more widespread than previously thought

Preliminary results from a study of pollution in the Clark Fork River show toxic pollutants are more widespread than previously thought.

Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, in collaboration with other state agencies, Trout Unlimited, the Clark Fork Coalition and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes took water and fish tissue samples along the Clark Fork from Butte to the Idaho border in 2023.

They then tested those samples for a suite of toxic compounds known to cause cancers, reproductive issues and immune system damage when ingested.

The researchers found elevated concentrations of the toxins downstream of Butte in the Bearmouth area, below Drummond in the Flint Creek drainage, in the Upper Blackfoot River, around the site of the former Smurfit-Stone Mill, and the Plains to Thompson Falls areas.

Trevor Selch, a water pollution biologist with FWP, says this is the first step in an ongoing study.

“We were looking at, you know, kind of bookending different major drainages of this system. And so now we’ve been able to isolate that. It’ll definitely take additional work to really identify where the contamination is coming from,” Selch said.

These toxic compounds are associated with industrial activities, or forest fire runoff, but Selch says pinpointing their sources in the Clark Fork is the ultimate goal of this work.

FWP expects to release the results of the fish tissue sample next month. Depending on what that shows, Selch says they may have to expand fish consumption advisories.

Advisories are already in place on 148 miles of Clark Fork from the Bitterroot to the confluence with the Flathead River to protect human health.

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Montana

Missing Missoula man’s body found south of Hamilton

Published

6 hours ago

February 18, 2026

Press Room

Missing Missoula man’s body found south of Hamilton

HAMILTON, Mont. — The Ravalli County sheriff says searchers found a 30-year-old Missoula man dead in the Sleeping Child drainage south of Hamilton after he was reported missing since Sunday.

Sheriff Steve Holton identified the man as Richard Jeffrey McGowan.

Forest Service law enforcement located McGowan’s vehicle Tuesday, prompting the Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office and Ravalli County Search and Rescue to begin searching the area.

The search effort was aided by drones and a National Guard helicopter from Malmstrom Air Force Base.

Searchers found McGowan at the base of a rock face, and a preliminary investigation indicates he was the victim of an accidental fall while rock climbing, Holton said.

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Montana

Montana Is Home To One Of The Most Overrated Ski Resorts

Published

18 hours ago

February 17, 2026

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Montana Is Home To One Of The Most Overrated Ski Resorts

There are a few things that I can’t do in live, and I own up to them.

One of those things is ski. Now, I realize that skiing is a popular past time here in Montana and we’re blessed to have several areas in Big Sky Country that cater to those who like to hit the slopes. From budget friendly to highly exclusive there is something for everyone.

Don’t get me wrong, the idea of doing it sounds thrilling, racing down the mountain on fresh powder, enjoying the view and all that comes with it. I think I would love it, if I could do it. However, I came across something that I found to be interesting. A popular Montana spot was named to be one of the most overrated ski resorts in the country.

What ski resort in Montana is overrated?

This is were things get a bit interesting. So much of what is best and what isn’t comes down to personal opinion. While there will be those who will disagree with what I’m going to reveal, keep in mind, this is not my opinion, it’s the opinion of the source.

According to Outdoor Lifestyle who put out a list of The Top 25 Most Overrated Ski Resorts in the West, when it comes to Montana, Whitefish makes the list.

Now, it should be noted that Whitefish is the only Montana location that is on the list, and Whitefish isn’t ranked near the top, it’s actually ranked 15th. The source, doesn’t give a whole lot of data in to how they came up with the ranking, so we are left to wonder why they picked who they picked.

What are your thoughts? Where do you enjoying skiing in Montana? Let us know by sending us a message to our app.

New to Skiing in Montana? Here’s 10 Important Things to Remember

Just getting into skiing in Montana? Congratulations, you’re in one of the best places for skiing in the entire country, but there are a few things you need to know before you go.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

Every Montana Ski Area and Resort

Want to break away from your local mountain and shred somewhere new? Here are all of Montana’s ski areas and resorts.

Gallery Credit: Will Gordon

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Feb. 16, 2026

Published

1 day ago

February 17, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at Feb. 16, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 16 drawing

16-18-19-56-58, Powerball: 06, Power Play: 3

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 16 drawing

06-29-36-43-46, Lucky Ball: 17

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Feb. 16 drawing

01-07-18-36-40, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Feb. 16 drawing

01-16-17-19, Bonus: 08

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Montana Lottery drawings held?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Lucky For Life: 8:38 p.m. MT daily.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Big Sky Bonus: 7:30 p.m. MT daily.
Powerball Double Play: 8:59 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
Montana Cash: 8 p.m. MT on Wednesday and Saturday.

Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Great Falls Tribune editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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