Montana

Great Falls woman competing for ‘Ms Wheelchair America’ title

Published

1 hour ago

December 9, 2025

Great Falls woman competing for ‘Ms Wheelchair America’ title

Great Falls resident Liz Alford was recently selected as Ms. Wheelchair Montana. The national program is not a beauty pageant; it focuses on elevating the voices of women with disabilities and empowering them to advocate within their communities.

“It’s a chance to educate and advocate within our state,” Alford said. “I wanted to make change not just for myself, but for others.”

Madison Collier reports – watch the video here:

Great Falls woman competing for ‘Ms Wheelchair America’ title

Alford, who has an incomplete spinal cord injury, says accessibility issues in Montana are far more common than many people realize. Something as simple as a cracked sidewalk, tight doorway, or blocked parking access line can make everyday tasks significantly harder, and often impossible for wheelchair users.

“If the sidewalks are messed up and you can’t get into certain businesses… suddenly you’re not independent anymore,” she said.

Alford shared one example from a recent doctor’s appointment: someone parked on the striped access lines next to her van, leaving no space for her wheelchair ramp to deploy. She couldn’t get into her vehicle until staff helped move it.

“That one small decision can trap us,” she said. “Education would make a huge difference.”

Shyla Patera, Policy and Peer Coordinator for North Central Independent Living Services, says the disability community has been raising concerns for years.

“Sometimes accessible projects don’t become reality quickly,” Patera said. “Lack of sidewalks forces many of us into the street.”

She adds that accessibility is not simply a convenience; it’s a civil right guaranteed under laws like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

“People with disabilities have the civil right to live in and access their community,” she said.

As Ms. Wheelchair Montana, Alford hopes to spark more conversations and real changes throughout the state. Some of her goals include:

Improving sidewalks and downtown accessibility
Expanding accessible parking spaces
Advocating for more disability education in schools

She says the heart of her mission is restoring independence.

“If I can help people get even a little bit of independence back, that’s all I want,” Alford said.

Alford will represent Montana at the Ms. Wheelchair America national competition next August. Until then, she plans to travel the state, work with local leaders, and continue building a program Montana hasn’t had in more than 30 years.

Her message is simple: Make Montana accessible.

You can follow Alford on Facebook.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Dec. 8, 2025

Published

13 hours ago

December 9, 2025

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 8, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

08-32-52-56-64, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

11-14-28-30-41, Lucky Ball: 11

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

07-10-32-33-35, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Dec. 8 drawing

18-19-22-24, Bonus: 10

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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Montana

Final guided bison hunt lottery on Blackfeet Reservation closes Jan. 5

Published

1 day ago

December 8, 2025

Press Room

Final guided bison hunt lottery on Blackfeet Reservation closes Jan. 5

MISSOULA, Mont. — The last drawing for a guided bison hunt on the Blackfeet Reservation is coming up Jan. 5, and hunters can still purchase chances for $10 each. There’s no limit on how many chances an individual can buy.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks says the lottery is part of its ongoing partnership with the Blackfeet Tribe to support shared fish and wildlife management and expand hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities across the state.

The drawing is open to all hunters — tribal members and nonmembers, Montana residents and nonresidents. Those selected will be guided by Blackfeet Fish and Game buffalo program staff and can choose the animal they want to harvest. Successful hunters will have a three-week window to complete the hunt, starting the day after the draw, and may keep the bison’s head, hide and meat.

Entries can be submitted at fwp.mt.gov/buyandapply, or purchased through a license provider or any FWP office. For more information, contact the Blackfeet Fish and Game office at 406-338-7207 or the FWP tribal liaison at 406-750-3574.

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Montana

College football star, coach butt heads in contentious conflict after playoff win

Published

2 days ago

December 8, 2025

Press Room

College football star, coach butt heads in contentious conflict after playoff win

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The Montana State Bobcats advanced to the next round of the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs on Saturday after a 21-13 win over the Yale Bulldogs.

Bobcats running back Julius Davis had a heated exchange with head coach Brent Vigen and teammate Takhari Carr as they walked off the field.

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Running back Julius Davis of the Montana State Bobcats stiff-arms safety Jaylan Wesley of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Sam Wasson/Getty Images)

The ESPN broadcast showed Davis meeting with a Yale player on the field as Vigen tried to direct him toward the locker room. Davis didn’t appear to appreciate what Vigen was doing, and he was quick to slap the coach’s hands away from his shoulders.

Carr came over to cool down the situation, but Davis eventually pushed him away. Vigen and Davis had more words for each other. The running back appeared to get emotional as he tried to state his case to Vigen.

Davis apologized for the moment in a statement on his social media.

DUKE UPSETS VIRGINIA IN OVERTIME TO CLAIM ACC TITLE, POSSIBLY SHAKING UP CFP PICTURE

Head coach Brent Vigen of the Montana State Bobcats looks up at the scoreboard during a timeout in the Oregon Ducks game at Autzen Stadium on Aug. 30, 2025 in Eugene, Oregon. (Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

“ESPN misconstrued a moment in our previous game, I was not smack talking the Yale players. I was actually dapping up a former teammate of mine from Wisconsin. I want to sincerely apologize to my teammates and my coach for my actions. In the heat of the moment, I let my emotions get the best of me and reacted in a way that was unacceptable,” Davis’ statement read. “Arguing the way I did was wrong, and I take full responsibility for it. Coach Vigen and I already talked, no one outside of this team understands our relationship and how much respect I have for him.”

“I also understand that my reaction was seen by many, and I’m truly sorry for the example it set. I hold myself, my team, my coaches, and the game itself to a high standard, and I didn’t reflect that in my behavior. I’m committed to learning from this moment, handling my emotions better, and showing the respect and professionalism that my teammate, my coach, and everyone watching deserves. Thank you for holding me accountable, I will be better moving forward.”

Davis had a touchdown in the third quarter of the win over Yale.

Julius Davis of the Montana State Bobcats leaps over cornerback Quentin Moten of the Northern Arizona Lumberjacks on his way to scoring a touchdown at the J. Lawrence Walkup Skydome on Oct. 4, 2025, in Flagstaff, Arizona. (Sam Wasson/Getty Images)

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Montana State will play Stephen F. Austin in the quarterfinals.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

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