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.

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.