Montana

Montana de Oro standoff suspect allegedly stole U.S. military-procured truck

Published

1 year ago

August 2, 2024

Press Room

Montana de Oro standoff suspect allegedly stole U.S. military-procured truck

August 1, 2024

By JOSH FRIEDMAN

The suspect who engaged in a multi-hour standoff with law enforcement at Montana de Oro State Park on Wednesday allegedly stole a transport vehicle that was procured by the United States military and is designed to carry M1 Abrams tanks.

On Wednesday, a witness reported a suspicious vehicle in a parking lot off Los Osos Valley Road in Los Osos. Deputies arrived and the driver, later identified as 63-year-old Patrick Kevin VanNess of Los Angeles, then fled to Montana de Oro State Park, broke through a gate and ended up in the Sandspit Beach area.

Deputies tried to contact VanNess, but he refused commands to exit the truck. After VanNess refused to leave the truck, detail members sprayed tear gas inside the vehicle, and the suspect got out of the truck.

Deputies booked VanNess in San Luis Obispo County Jail on charges of obstructing or resisting a public officer, fleeing a peace officer while reckless driving with disregard, no evidence of current vehicle registration, vandalism, driving without a license, obstructing or resisting an executive officer and burglary.

On Thursday, the sheriff’s office announced that its detectives confirmed the vehicle involved in the incident is a M1070 Heavy Equipment Transport vehicle that was designed for the United States military. The vehicle was manufactured earlier this year and was then stolen in transit prior to being delivered to the military in Southern California, according to the sheriff’s office.

Valued at more than $500,000, the M1070 is specifically used to transport M1 Abrams tanks.

The M1070 that VanNess allegedly stole became stuck in the sand at Montana de Oro several times due to its weight and size. On Thursday, sheriff’s deputies managed to remove the vehicle from the beach at Montana de Oro with assistance from California State Parks and California Army National Guard personnel.

Sheriff’s officials say VanNess will be charged with theft of the vehicle. An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

VanNess is currently being held in SLO County Jail with his bail set at $80,000.

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Montana

How to Make the Most of Montana’s Unusually Warm Winter

Published

10 hours ago

January 15, 2026

Press Room

How to Make the Most of Montana’s Unusually Warm Winter

Montana winters have a reputation for being bitterly cold with temperatures that average well-below zero. It’s also one of America’s snowiest states. If you’re a fan of winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, Montana is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

However, this winter is a bit different. Above-average temperatures across the state have broken records on multiple occasions. It may not be the white winter that we all hoped for, but there are some advantages. I’m the type of person that tries to find the silver lining in everything, so here it goes.

I’ve been through quite a few winters in Montana, and this is the warmest it’s ever been this time of year. As someone who commutes a fair distance for work, I’ve really enjoyed not having to deal with snow and ice on the interstate. I haven’t noticed nearly as many people wrecked on the side of the road either.

I haven’t had to put on multiple layers of clothing in order to go outside and hope that my car would actually starting in the morning after scraping an inch of ice my windshield. Not gonna lie, it’s been nice.

The lack of snow also means that you can get to many places that are normally inaccessible by vehicle this time of year. So, if you’re the adventurous type, and want to take a road trip, right now might be a good time to hit the road.

Before you get too crazy, remember that getting too far off the grid in Montana can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. You can easily get stranded, and there’s a lot of places where you can’t get cell service. Just be careful, that’s all I’m saying.

Look, I know that we need snow, and I really hope a late winter is in the forecast. I’m just trying to make the best of a bad situation.

10 Helpful Montana Weather Terms You Need to Know

Weather in Montana can be unpredictable. Here are 10 weather terms that you need to know.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

THESE ARE THE TOP 20 BEST PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS IN MONTANA

Niche published its ranking of the top public high schools in Montana, considering factors like state test scores, college readiness, graduation rates, teacher quality, overall school ratings, student and parent reviews, and data from the U.S. Department of Education.

Gallery Credit: jessejames

10 Celebrities That Moved to Montana For a Better Quality of Life

Here’s a list of 10 celebrities that you might run into in Montana.

Gallery Credit: Jesse James

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Montana

Missoula School Board fills trustee vacancy, receives facilities update

Published

22 hours ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

Missoula School Board fills trustee vacancy, receives facilities update

MISSOULA, Mont. — The Missoula County Public Schools Board of Trustees voted unanimously Tuesday night to appoint London Meservy to a vacant trustee seat previously held by former Chairwoman Wilena Old Person.

Board Chairwoman Arlee Walker Andrews said this comes during a period of high turnover for the board, which she said has seen a rotation of 19 different faces over the past two years.

Meservy, a parent of four students across the district, will be sworn in Friday and hold the seat until the May election. He told the board he plans to run for the position in the spring.

“I was sad to see the former chairperson go but excited for the opportunity,” Meservy said. “I want to help continue the upward trajectory of the Missoula School District.”

The board also heard an update from the Facilities Planning Committee, part of an ongoing review of district-owned properties. The committee’s work builds on months of public engagement that included building tours, surveys and meetings with more than 200 community members and partners such as the City of Missoula and the University of Montana.

Trustee Jenny Walsh said the district’s goal is to manage its facilities responsibly without overburdening taxpayers.

“What we’re really doing is reorganizing our public assets to steward them better for the public. We’re not giving up any public assets,” she said. “I think there’s a bit of public perception that we’re like after money, but really we’re just trying to be really responsible stewards for our taxpayers, which are our teachers and our parents and our families.”

Superintendent Micah Hill clarified that any proceeds from property sales would go into district funds with flexible spending authority. Those dollars are free to be expended in any way the board sees fit, he said.

The next MCPS board meeting is on January 27.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Mega Millions, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 13, 2026

Published

1 day ago

January 14, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 13, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Mega Millions numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

16-40-56-64-66, Mega Ball: 04

Check Mega Millions payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

21-32-34-35-38, Lucky Ball: 14

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 13 drawing

06-07-21-22, Bonus: 12

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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