Family recounts losing two daughters to impaired drivers on Montana's highways

Published

7 months ago

May 5, 2025

Family recounts losing two daughters to impaired drivers on Montana's highways

May 5 marks the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

Native women face murder rates more than 10 times the national average. Here in Montana, Indigenous women are four times more likely to go missing.

MTN is sharing some of the stories from the MMIW crisis; some of which you might know, some of which you won’t.

Maureena ‘Mena’ Twoteeth was walking along Highway 93 in January 0f 2022, next to Mission Bridge in St. Ignatius.

She was intoxicated and called for a ride. Mena was waiting to be picked up when she was struck and killed by a vehicle.

Watch the full story:

Family recounts losing two daughters to impaired drivers on Montana’s highways

A 22-year-old woman from Bozeman struck and killed her.

The initial police report did not indicate any drugs were involved. However, three years later, the Montana Highway Patrol confirmed to MTN that the driver had THC in her system.

We reached out to the Lake County Attorney for comment on this case, but have not heard back.

Now, Twoteeth’s family shares the impact of living next to roads that have stolen more than one of their loved ones.

Emily Brown/MTN News

Maureena ‘Mena’ Twoteeth was walking along U.S. Highway 93 in January of 2022, in St. Ignatius when she was struck and killed by a vehicle.

U.S. Highway 93 cuts right through the heart of the Flathead Reservation, and a lot of people walk alongside the road, which is known for its dangerous conditions and high speeds.

Many have lost their lives, which is why locals say: ‘Pray for me, I drive 93.’

“It’s just not safe,” sister Kristen Twoteeth said.

Mena was Cree and a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

Mena Twoteeth — Maureena ‘Mena’ Twoteeth

After she was killed, a Tribal officer showed up at her mother, Bonnie Asencio’s, residence.

“I remember just being in disbelief, just holding myself because my body wasn’t doing what I wanted it to do, and that was stand up,” Asencio said.

But Mena wasn’t the first child Asencio lost.

Bonnie Asencio, member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes.

“Two of my children died before me,” Asencio stated.

Her daughter, Ruby Saluskin, was a passenger in a 2020 fatal crash along Montana Highway 35.

“My daughters are important. They are just as important as any other children in the world,” Asencio said.

Twoteeth family — Bonnie Asencio, a member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, has lost two daughters on Montana’s roads.

Now, only four of Asencio’s six daughters are alive.

“My mom’s voice keeps ringing through my ears to be safe, please,” sister Bonnie Saluskin said.

The surviving family lives alongside the roads where white crosses mark their losses.

“I had anxiety really bad after that. I couldn’t even drive really, and especially at like nighttime,” Kristen Twoteeth shared.

“There have been 58 crashes and 65 fatalities on Highway 93 from Wye to the end of the Flathead Reservation from 2020-2025,” Montana Highway Patrol Captain Sean Silvan shared in a statement to MTN.

Still, people commonly walk.

“Indian people walk. We’re not afraid to not have a vehicle. My mom lives a mile just right down the road here. I’ll walk over there easy,” Asencio said.

The family hopes someday for changes that would make getting around the reservation safer for the next generation.

“I would love for a billboard to be here that says: ‘You are now on a reservation and we love to walk,’” Asencio stated.

But all the while, they hold memories of loved ones lost on the road close.

Kristen Twoteeth got a tattoo of a cat for her sister Mena to honor her Indigenous name and remember her by.

Twoteeth tattoo — Kristen Twoteeth got a tattoo of a cat for her sister Mena to honor her Indigenous name and remember her by.

She also named her daughter after a saying from Ruby.

“My sister Ruby was always telling us to love each other. That’s what I named my baby, Leila Love, after her saying that,” said Twoteeth.

Bonnie Saluskin channels her emotions into song with one line being, “Now, death is no longer an option. That’s my word to my mom.”

As the family lives each day, they focus on caring for their remaining family members and elevating their loved ones’ stories whenever possible.

“Being able to be there for your children, being able to be there for your mothers, your, you know, your fathers, your, your family. That’s what this is all about,” Saluskin said.

“They are my daughters, and I love them with all of my heart. They continue to be mine even though they’re in heaven,” Asencio concluded.

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Belgrade woman arrested for stealing $4,000 from grocery store highlights Montana theft trends

Published

16 hours ago

November 18, 2025

Press Room

Belgrade woman arrested for stealing ,000 from grocery store highlights Montana theft trends

BELGRADE — A Belgrade woman was arrested last weekend, accused of stealing more than $4,000 worth of goods from the Albertsons in Belgrade over the course of more than 40 separate incidents.

So, is retail theft on the rise?

“Theft has always been wrong,” said Brad Griffin, President of the Montana Retail Association.
Griffin said that since 2017, when the Montana Legislature passed House Bill 133, which significantly reduced penalties for misdemeanor theft, shoplifting has increased.
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House Bill 133 eliminated jail time and allowed fines of up to $500 for first-time offenders.
“We did see a rise in theft from that point forward,” Griffin said.
Montana Retail Theft Rises: New Laws Aim to Deter Shoplifters

Belgrade woman arrested for stealing $4,000 from grocery store highlights Montana theft trends
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Under that bill, offenders could steal up to $1,500 without facing jail time.
“Predictably, we saw an increase in theft because you could steal up to fifteen hundred dollars with impunity,” he added.

A few months ago, Senate Bill 19 became law. Now, criminals can expect up to six months in jail or a fine of $1,500 for their first and second offenses.
“I think it’s come as a big surprise to a lot of habitual criminals who never expected that,” Griffin said.
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Although Brad said it’s too early to measure whether or not Senate Bill 19 has helped improve retail theft, he noted that retailers are already stepping up prevention efforts:
“Asset protection people are being more present in their stores, looking for suspicious behavior.”
Belgrade Police Chief Dustin Lensing said he hasn’t noticed a spike in theft related to the temporary loss of federal benefits during the recent government shutdown.
“I think nationwide, there’s kind of been an increasing trend in retail theft,” Lensing said. “Here locally, with an increasing population, more businesses, and more people, we’ll always see an uptick.”

Lensing emphasized that while public awareness is helpful, safety should always come first, and witnesses or retail employees should not approach criminals.
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“We always just ask people to be a really good witness, so when we do show up, they can give us the information we need to solve the case.”

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How to watch Texas A&M Aggies: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Nov. 18

Published

1 day ago

November 18, 2025

Press Room

How to watch Texas A&M Aggies: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Nov. 18

The Montana Grizzlies square off against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena in College Station, Texas on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. ET.

See more info below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network+.

To prepare for this college hoops matchup, here is what you need to get ready for Tuesday’s action.

Texas A&M vs. Montana: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Tuesday, November 18, 2025
Game time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: College Station, Texas
Arena: Reed Arena
TV Channel: SEC Network+
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Texas A&M vs. Montana stats and trends

Texas A&M scored 74.6 points per game and gave up 68.7 last year, making them 151st in college basketball on offense and 74th defensively.
Last year, the Aggies were eighth-best in college basketball in rebounds (36.9 per game) and 36th in rebounds conceded (28.5).
Last season Texas A&M was ranked 295th in the country in assists with 11.9 per game.
Last year, the Aggies were 232nd in college basketball in turnovers committed (11.6 per game) and 112th in turnovers forced (12).
Last season, Texas A&M was 260th in the nation in 3-point makes (7 per game) and 332nd in 3-point percentage (30.7%).
The Aggies were 305th in the country in 3-pointers conceded (8.5 per game) and 159th in 3-point percentage defensively (33.3%) last season.
Texas A&M attempted 62.3% of its shots from inside the 3-point line, and 37.7% from beyond it last season. In terms of makes, 72.3% of Texas A&M’s buckets were 2-pointers, and 27.7% were 3-pointers.

Texas A&M vs. Montana Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Aggies (-17.5)
Moneyline: Texas A&M (-2632), Montana (+1183)
Total: 164.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 2:35 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

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Montana Lottery Lucky For Life, Big Sky Bonus results for Nov. 16, 2025

Published

2 days ago

November 17, 2025

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Nov. 16, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 16 drawing

03-11-26-32-45, Lucky Ball: 02

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Nov. 16 drawing

10-13-17-27, Bonus: 11

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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