Montana

Montana Dads the 3rd Least-Loved in the United States

Published

2 years ago

June 11, 2024

Montana Dads the 3rd Least-Loved in the United States

According to the latest internet search data, nobody cares about Dad in Montana. I admit I’m somewhat skeptical about this info, but the internet never lies, right?

The folks at RushOrderTees.com looked at Google searches using the keywords and phrases: “fathers day”, “when is fathers day”, “fathers day gifts”, “fathers day gift ideas”, “fathers day ideas”, and “happy fathers day messages.”

A twelve-month average search volume for each phrase was then totaled and calculated to give the searches per 100k residents. Montana ranked 48th in the US. Only Vermonters and South Dakotans care less.

Credit: RushOrderTees.com

Who loves Dad?

The top 10 states searching online for Father’s Day-related gifts and ideas are ranked below. Residents in these states must care about dear old dad a lot.

Location	Searches per 100k	U.S Rank
Nevada Advertisement	747.92	1
Georgia	746.65	2 Advertisement
Texas	735.23	3
California	711.38 Advertisement	4
Colorado	706.69	5
Arizona Advertisement	691.75	6
Florida	689.01	7 Advertisement
Virginia	674.12	8
Maryland	670.37 Advertisement	9
Washington	667.73	10

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

Meanwhile, at the bottom of the list.

We’re not sure what’s up with the states that aren’t Googling dad stuff, but Father’s Day appears to be an afterthought in states with the coldest climates. Interestingly, several states that don’t care about Father’s Day also have the highest percentages of single parents.

Here are the top 10 states NOT searching for dad stuff for Father’s Day

Location	Searches per 100k	U.S Rank Advertisement
South Dakota	434.21	50
Vermont	440.76 Advertisement	49
Montana	445.37	48
Wyoming Advertisement	452.69	47
Alaska	455.63	46 Advertisement
Idaho	458.93	45
Iowa	460.85 Advertisement	44
Wisconsin	478.32	43
Minnesota Advertisement	486.46	42
New Hampshire	487.10	41 Advertisement
Maine	489.60	40

What are you planning for dad?

Every dad is different, of course, but my spouse and kids always do an amazing job of making the day special. My perfect Montana Father’s Day usually includes the three B’s… Beef, Beer, and Bourbon. Sometimes there is a 4th B that I won’t mention on this family-friendly website. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 16 this year.

12 Perfect Movies to Watch on Father’s Day

Gallery Credit: Bobby G.

40 Father-Daughter Dance Songs Country Fans Will Love

The greatest father-daughter dance song in country music history isn’t all that old. A legend sings a ballad he wrote for the occasion — that’s what separates good from great on our list of daddy wedding tributes.

Of course, every bride’s relationship with her father is unique, so we’ve worked hard to find a variety of stories. Stepfathers get some love, and there’s more than one lyric that’s less goodbye and more good advice. Click on a couple links you’ve never tried before, then choose your favorite father-daughter dance song in country music.

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Montana

Montana minimum wage increases to $10.85 | Explore Big Sky

Published

11 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

Montana minimum wage increases to .85 | Explore Big Sky

By Micah Drew DAILY MONTANAN

With the start of the new year, Montanans on the lowest end of the pay scale will get a small boost as the state’s mandatory minimum wage increase goes into effect.

As of Jan. 1, Montana’s minimum wage increased from $10.55 to $10.85.

Stemming from a 2006 law, Montana’s minimum wage is subject to a cost-of-living adjustment, based on the national increase in the consumer price index published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

According to state law, Montana businesses not covered by the federal Fair Labor Standards Act are those whose gross annual sales are $110,000 or less may pay $4 per hour.

Montana is one of 30 states — plus Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands — that have a minimum wage higher than the federal rate of $7.25.

Twelve states, plus D.C. adjust their wages annually based on set formulas.

Montana has one of the lowest minimum wages that exceeds federal levels, with only West Virginia coming in lower among states at $8.75. The highest minimum wage is in D.C., at $17.25.

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Montana

Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Jan. 7, 2026

Published

23 hours ago

January 8, 2026

Press Room

The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 7, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

15-28-57-58-63, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

05-14-15-21-39, Lucky Ball: 10

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

03-18-25-45-50, Star Ball: 04, ASB: 02

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

05-09-12-15, Bonus: 02

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

28-41-50-61-68, Powerball: 05

Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Montana Cash numbers from Jan. 7 drawing

09-11-13-16-40

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.

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Montana

California woman sentenced for smuggling attempt at border in Montana

Published

1 day ago

January 7, 2026

Press Room

California woman sentenced for smuggling attempt at border in Montana

MISSOULA, Mont. — A California woman who tried to smuggle her husband into the United States through northwest Montana has been sentenced to six months of probation, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.

Tracy Routh Lautenslager, 54, pleaded guilty in August 2025 to conspiracy to bring an alien into the United States at a location other than a designated port of entry. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case.

Court documents allege Lautenslager entered the U.S. through the Roosville Port of Entry on April 1, 2025, then drove to the Swisher Lake area near Lake Koocanusa. Border Patrol agents later learned a man had crossed the border on foot nearby. Canadian authorities eventually apprehended the man, identified as Lautenslager’s husband, a citizen of Great Britain with no legal status in the U.S.

Investigators say Lautenslager admitted the couple planned to avoid the port of entry by having her husband cross illegally while she drove into the U.S. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack and investigated by the U.S. Border Patrol as part of Operation Take Back America.

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