Montana
Montana 35 section closed Jan. 29 for tree removal
A section of Montana 35 south of Woods Bay will be closed for two hours on Jan. 29 while crews work to remove a dead tree along the narrow area of the road.
Travelers will need to seek alternate routes.
Flathead Electric Cooperative, the Montana Department of Transportation and the U.S. Forest Service are working together to remove the tree located near Fishing Rock Lane.
The closure is anticipated to occur from 10 a.m. to noon. Travelers will need to seek alternate routes.
Two cranes and multiple crews will assist with the tree’s removal. The closure is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled in case of high winds or plowing priorities as required by MDT. If the closure is rescheduled, the local press will be asked to share the news and MDT’s variable message signs on Montana 35, near Polson and Bigfork, will be updated. In this case, information will also be posted on FEC, MDT, and USFS websites.
The nearby Bear Dance Trail, USFS Trail #76, will also be closed in both directions on the day in question.
The tree that will be removed is over 110 feet tall and located on the east side of the road at approximately mile marker 23.
The tree, dead for many years, has significant rot around its base. Without removal, it is expected it could fall across Montana 35. Its removal will enhance safety for the traveling public, the agencies noted in a press release.
It is also highly likely that, if not removed, the tree will fall into the power lines on the west side of the highway.
Amanda Opp, FEC Integrated Services Manager, said the tree’s location above the highway makes it extremely difficult to safely remove.
“However, if it were to fall, the resulting power outage would likely be prolonged, because of the limited access we have to bring in new power poles and re-string wire,” she said in a release. “Being proactive is the right thing to do for the public, and greatly decreases the risk of the tree falling into the wires and sparking a wildfire.”
The tree is home to an unoccupied osprey nest. Multiple biologists from federal and state agencies were consulted about the tree’s removal and approved it.
“From the start, we were sensitive to the osprey nest, and reached out to the USFS, the US Biological Station at Flathead Lake, and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks to ensure there were no nesting osprey in the tree, and that if the tree was removed, there would be suitable options in the area for any osprey that may return in the spring,” Opp said.
Ospreys migrate seasonally and are not expected to return to Northwest Montana until April. The tree’s removal is not expected to impact the birds. However, the nest will be inspected again on the day of the removal.
A brief power outage may occur during the road closure. Co-op members can receive updates at the online Outage Center at www.flatheadelectric.com.
The public is encouraged to contact Joan Redeen at 406-396-1978 with any questions or comments regarding the road closure. Motorists can stay informed about road status on the day in question by visiting 511mt.net or downloading the MDT 511 app on their phone.
Montana
Swiss Alpine bar fire claims 41st victim, an 18-year-old Swiss national
Flower tributes are placed at the entrance of the “Le Constellation” bar and lounge where a fire which broke out during New Year’s celebrations left 40 people dead and over 100 injured, in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (Cyril Zingaro/Keystone via AP)
Cyril Zingaro/Keystone via AP
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Cyril Zingaro/Keystone via AP
ZURICH — An 18-year-old Swiss national has died in a Zurich hospital from injuries sustained in a Swiss Alpine bar fire, bringing the death toll to 41 a month after the tragedy.

The victim died on Saturday, according to the Swiss public prosecutor. The prosecutor said in a statement Sunday it would provide no further information on the status of the investigation.
Investigators have said they believe sparkling candles atop Champagne bottles ignited the fire when they came too close to the ceiling at the packed Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, less than two hours after midnight on Jan. 1. Authorities are looking into whether soundproofing material on the ceiling conformed with regulations and whether the candles were permitted for use in the bar. Fire safety inspections hadn’t been carried out since 2019.
Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the owners — French couple Jacques and Jessica Moretti — on suspicion of negligent homicide, negligent bodily harm and causing a fire by negligence. The court of compulsory measures in the southwestern Valais region on Jan. 12 ordered three months of pretrial detention for Jacques Moretti, but on Jan. 23 ordered his release on bail.
With high-altitude ski runs rising around 3,000 meters (nearly 9,850 feet) in the heart of the Valais region, Crans-Montana is a major destination for international alpine skiing competitions.
Montana
Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 31, 2026
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Jan. 31, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 31 drawing
02-08-14-40-63, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 31 drawing
09-13-25-30-43, Lucky Ball: 18
Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 31 drawing
07-21-47-48-49, Star Ball: 03, ASB: 03
Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 31 drawing
01-04-19-26, Bonus: 13
Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 31 drawing
14-18-19-31-59, Powerball: 13
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 31 drawing
01-04-15-17-18
Check Montana Cash 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.
Montana
Blanc Wins Crans-Montana Super-G, Johnson Breaks Through
Malorie Blanc / GEPA pictures
Women’s Super-G, Crans-Montana: Blanc delivers a home win as Johnson puts the Stifel U.S. Ski Team on the podium
Crans-Montana delivered the kind of bluebird Super-G day racers dream about — grippy snow, great light, and a course the women could truly attack. And attack they did, with a stunning hometown breakthrough from Switzerland’s Malorie Blanc, and a massive moment for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team as Breezy Johnson charged onto her first World Cup Super-G podium.
Top 5
- 1st 🇨🇭 Malorie Blanc (SUI) — bib 17 — +0.00 — 2004 — Atomic
- 2nd 🇮🇹 Sofia Goggia (ITA) — bib 13 — +0.18 — 1992 — Atomic
- 3rd 🇺🇸 Breezy Johnson (USA) — bib 29 — +0.36 — 1995 — Atomic
- 4th 🇮🇹 Roberta Melesi (ITA) — bib 2 — +0.42 — 1996
- 5th 🇩🇪 Kira Weidle-Winkelmann (GER) — bib 18 — +0.44 — 1996
Top Five — Women’s Super-G Standings (entering the Olympics)
- 1st 🇮🇹 Sofia Goggia (ITA, 1992, Atomic) — 280 pts
- 2nd 🇳🇿 Alice Robinson (NZL, 2001) — −60
- 3rd 🇺🇸 Lindsey Vonn (USA, 1984, Head) — −90
- 4th 🇫🇷 Romane Miradoli (FRA, 1994) — −99
- 5th 🇨🇭 Malorie Blanc (SUI, 2004, Atomic) — −127
How the race unfolded
Austria’s Ariane Rädler opened the day by setting the first benchmark (1:17.95), but Italy quickly took control. Roberta Melesi (bib 2) tightened her line and lowered the mark to 1:17.76, immediately putting pressure on the early favorites.
The first major threats followed quickly. Kajsa Vickhoff Lie couldn’t unseat the then-leader and skied into the finish +0.46 at the time, while Alice Robinson — still searching for her best top-end speed — came close, just +0.09 back. As the race unfolded, Robinson would eventually slide to sixth (+0.51).
Then the race turned dramatic. Italy’s Elena Curtoni (bib 8) went down and did not finish, another major contender erased. Soon after, Germany’s Emma Aicher (bib 12), the Tarvisio Super-G winner, crashed in the same turn that ended Lindsey Vonn’s downhill day. Aicher was able to get up and ski to the finish.
Italy’s speed queen answered next. Sofia Goggia (bib 13) grabbed the advantage early, gave time back through the middle, then re-attacked with trademark aggression to take the lead by 0.24, lighting up the timing board with her on-the-limit style.
While Vonn appeared on the start list — a sign her team believed there was a chance — it remained a game-day decision. In the end, she did not start as she continues to recover from Friday’s downhill crash.
The emotional center of the race was also at the top. Federica Brignone racing a Super-G was a significant moment — her first speed discipline start since last spring’s injury. She skied solidly, finished safely (18th, +1.28), and took another encouraging step as she builds toward Cortina.
Blanc shocks the field in front of her home crowd
Then the stadium erupted.
Switzerland’s Malorie Blanc (bib 17) delivered the run of her life in her own backyard — fast, clean, and right on the edge of control — vaulting into the leader’s chair and eventually into her first World Cup victory. With Switzerland eager for a new speed headline after losing its top Super-G skier earlier this season, Blanc’s breakthrough could not have come at a better moment.
Blanc had never stood on a World Cup Super-G podium before — and now she was winning in front of a sold-out home crowd in Crans-Montana.
“It’s incredible, and I still have a little trouble realizing it,” Blanc said. “I’ll wait until the end just to be sure it’s real. It means so much to me — to show this to my fans and to people who love skiing. I really wanted to do something great here, and I’m very thankful I could do it.”
Blanc admitted the run itself didn’t feel perfect.
“The feeling wasn’t that good on the slope,” she said. “I thought I was making some mistakes, but I just kept going. Then I crossed the finish line and heard the crowd — it was sold out — and I thought, ‘OK, maybe it’s not that bad.’ I’m just so happy.”
With the Olympic Winter Games next on the calendar — and Crans-Montana the final race before Cortina — Blanc said she isn’t looking too far ahead yet.
“I’m just living the moment,” Blanc said. “It will be my first Olympics, so I want to enjoy it and see what happens.”
Goggia continues strong season
While Malorie Blanc thrilled the home crowd with her breakthrough victory, Sofia Goggia continued her strong Super-G campaign with a second-place finish, reinforcing her momentum heading into the Olympic Winter Games.
“I’m really happy with my performance today,” Goggia said. “My January wasn’t that good, especially in downhill, but I knew this hill suited me, so I just tried to ski my best.”
Goggia said there were still areas she felt she could improve, but she was satisfied with the way she attacked the course in the final race before the Games.
“I made a mistake in the middle and didn’t carry enough speed there,” she said. “But I’m really happy with the way I’ve been attacking the race.”
Breezy Johnson makes it a Stifel U.S. Ski Team celebration

Breezy Johnson delivered one of the biggest results of her career, charging to third place (+0.36) for her first-ever World Cup Super-G podium — a huge moment for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team in the final race before the Olympics.
“I’ve been working on Super-G for a really long time,” Johnson said. “I respect Super-G — I think it’s the hardest event. I always wanted to be good at it, but I didn’t expect that run to be what got me to the podium.”
Johnson said her focus was to keep attacking even when things got messy.
“I just tried to keep it running,” she said. “Every time I made a mistake, I forgot about it and kept going.”
The run felt fast but unpredictable.
“It’s almost like downhill,” Johnson said, “but there were places where it was a little all over the place. Down at the bottom I thought I was about to straddle that gate, so that was a little crazy.”
The timing of the result mattered as much as the result itself.
“I hadn’t even qualified to race the Super-G in Cortina before today,” Johnson said. “I really wanted to race that Super-G, so I just wanted to come out and give it my best.”
Bocock builds Olympic confidence with top-15 result
For Mary Bocock, Friday’s Super-G was a meaningful step forward at exactly the right time.
“It’s very exciting, especially after yesterday was a tough day for all the girls mentally and with the conditions,” Bocock said. “I was a little nervous today, but I’m very, very happy with how it went.”
Bocock said the technical nature of the Crans-Montana course played to her strengths.
“I love this track because it’s very technical,” she said. “I’m really happy I was able to execute my plan.”
The 15th-place finish marked one of the best results of Bocock’s young World Cup career and sends her to the Olympic Winter Games with confidence.
“This is amazing because now I’m going from my best result straight into the Olympics,” Bocock said. “It gives me confidence knowing I can ski well, and Cortina can also be a pretty technical track.”
Bocock said the feedback afterward reinforced that confidence.
“They just kept saying, ‘Good job, Mary,’” she said. “They told me I looked a little loose, which I was, but also that I looked confident — and that’s always good to hear.”
More fireworks: Pirovano disqualified after leading late
Italy’s day could have been even bigger. Lara Pirovano was leading with one split to go before missing a gate just before the finish and being disqualified. Even so, the message is clear: the Italians are skiing very fast as they head toward their home Olympics.
Bibs 31+ who finished inside the top 30
- 15th ⚡ 🇺🇸 Mary Bocock (USA) — bib 38 — +1.16 — 2003
- 17th 🇺🇸 Jacqueline Wiles (USA) — bib 47 — +1.27 — 1992
- 21st 🇦🇹 Julia Scheib (AUT) — bib 32 — +1.39 — 1998
- 27th 🇮🇹 Nicol Delago (ITA) — bib 42 — +1.81 — 1996 — Atomic
- 28th 🇨🇭 Priska Ming-Nufer (SUI) — bib 48 — +2.15 — 1992 (highest bib in top 30)
- 29th 🇨🇭 Janine Schmitt (SUI) — bib 34 — +2.16 — 2000
USA skiers in the top 30
- 3rd 🇺🇸 Breezy Johnson (USA) — bib 29 — +0.36 — 1995 — Atomic
- 15th 🇺🇸 Mary Bocock (USA) — bib 38 — +1.16 — 2003
- 17th 🇺🇸 Jacqueline Wiles (USA) — bib 47 — +1.27 — 1992
- 19th 🇺🇸 Tricia Mangan (USA) — bib 21 — +1.32 — 1997 — Head
- 25th 🇺🇸 Keely Cashman (USA) — bib 16 — +1.61 — 1999 — Head
Stifel U.S. Ski Team depth: five women in the points
Beyond Johnson’s podium, it was another statement day for the Stifel U.S. Ski Team: five women scored points, a strong performance from a very strong squad. Bocock’s surge was particularly encouraging — only her second points result after the season-opening St. Moritz Super-G (the race that secured her Olympic spot), and she attacked today with unmistakable Olympic energy.
Race Results
Click on images to enlarge
Analysis of the Top Three and Other North Americans in the Top 30





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