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Montana election officials report physical threats ahead of primary

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Montana election officials report physical threats ahead of primary


Escalating rhetoric associated to voter-fraud conspiracy theories is crossing the road into what election officers say are threats towards their bodily security, with lower than two weeks left earlier than Montana’s main election.

Addressing the state Legislature’s oversight committee for election processes Wednesday, Montana Commissioner of Political Practices Jeff Mangan stated he’s been working with different organizations to encourage native election directors and legislation enforcement to develop plans “for the security of their employees, polling areas and gear.”

“Election misinformation, disinformation, the stuff that’s taking place throughout the state, is harming and placing in danger our election officers, our election judges, our election volunteers and poll-watchers within the coming elections,” he stated, including, “Somebody wants to face up and say Montanans should be proud and be ok with the election practices we’ve in place and may really feel assured about their vote.”

Mangan cited latest incidents of threats directed at election officers in Carbon and Cascade counties, and requested the State Administration and Veterans Affairs Interim Committee to contemplate laws that might improve protections for election officers and judges towards security threats.

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He additionally requested that lawmakers play an even bigger position in pushing again on election misinformation.

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“I haven’t needed to take care of one thing like this within the earlier 5 years. That is all new due to the fixed disinformation and it’s coming from individuals who ought to know higher,” Mangan stated. “Respectfully, it’s coming from a few of your colleagues.”

Carbon county’s election administrator, Crystal Roascio, wrote in an electronic mail Wednesday that she has been in touch with native legislation enforcement following allegations by right-wing activists that the machines the county makes use of to course of ballots are compromised.

Carbon County Sheriff Josh McQuillan stated Wednesday that his workplace had not obtained an official criticism relating to threats to election employees, however confirmed further deputies could be staffed for the election as a consequence of safety considerations introduced by the election administrator.

Mark Prepare dinner, a self-described cyber safety knowledgeable who has sought to forged doubt on the state’s election know-how, gave a presentation in Purple Lodge Monday as a part of a tour all through the state this week. Roascio wrote that she attended the presentation, and was approached by native activists demanding a hand-count of ballots.

“I’ve election judges terrified for his or her security and have even had some resign from being a decide over this,” Roascio wrote within the electronic mail to Mangan. “I’ve been in touch with our sheriff about deputies/reserves in all polling areas. He agrees we do want this, however we aren’t certain if we’ve sufficient to try this.”

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Roascio has been embroiled in a latest controversy over allegations that her poll tabulators have been probably tampered with. In an interview final week, she stated the problem is predicated on a misunderstanding of safety protocols for the ballot-processing machines.

All counties that use tabulators in Montana are required to conduct a “public check” inside 30 days of every election they use the machines for. The general public assessments contain scanning batches of check ballots by means of the tabulators, checking for various combos of votes and potential errors, and evaluating these outcomes to the bodily check ballots that have been used.

Throughout Carbon County’s Could 12 public check, an observer seen the guarantee labels on the machine had been broken, Roascio stated. She emphasised they weren’t the safety seals, which she stated stay intact. Safety seals should be damaged with the intention to entry the inner workings of the machines, and are in place to protect towards potential tampering.

“After talking with the Secretary of State’s workplace, ES&S and the licensed tech for ES&S and it was present in February 2020, proper in the course of the pandemic, they needed to are available in and upgraded the scanner boards inside our DS200s,” Roascio stated. Election Techniques & Software program is the seller that manufactures and companies all tabulators utilized in Montana, together with the DS200 mannequin.

She famous that the corporate supplied to exchange the machines, however wouldn’t have been in a position to get them ready and licensed in time for the June 7 main election.

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Since that assembly, Roascio stated she’s fielded quite a few inquiries in regards to the subject, particularly after a right-wing weblog printed a publish repeatedly referring to the labels as “seals” and suggesting the machines’ safety had been breached.

Elsewhere within the state, election officers in Missoula and Cascade counties have stated they’ve obtained threatening messages from native activists, whereas others have described potential threats to election machines and tense confrontations with activists spreading election fraud theories.

In his feedback to the State Affairs and Veterans Administration Interim Committee, Mangan additionally expressed disappointment within the state’s prime elections official, Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen, for staying largely silent on election-fraud misinformation and security threats.

“The Secretary of State’s workplace needs to be telling people who they should really feel assured in our election processes, day by day,” he stated. “As an alternative we’ve teams going round, simply within the final three days, telling folks their votes gained’t be counted, that there are modems within the machines, that their votes are going to Spain after which coming again … It has to cease.”

Jacobsen has maintained that Montana’s elections are safe, and that the machines don’t connect with the web. However she’s stayed largely silent whereas Republican secretaries of state elsewhere within the nation have in some circumstances taken an energetic position in pushing again towards conspiracy theories.

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Requested repeatedly in a December interview whether or not she believes there’s any concrete proof to help allegations of coordinated voter fraud in Montana, she declined to reply.

“I’m going to help any effort that improves the integrity of the elections, interval,” Jacobsen responded on the time, including that she would work with the Legislature to take action.

She additionally declined to say whether or not she feels that allegations of election “irregularities” in Missoula County maintain any advantage.

Requested to touch upon Jacobsen’s reluctance to handle election conspiracy theories, spokesperson Richie Melby issued the next assertion Wednesday:

“The Secretary and Workplace work with a servant’s coronary heart in direction of secure, safe, and accessible elections day by day. State and native election officers are a key part of these elections and the Secretary has persistently said one of many biggest strengths of Montana’s elections are our election officers. State and native election officers are the trusted supply of election data in Montana. Ought to any election official be threatened whereas performing the vital duties of their job, they need to contact native legislation enforcement.”

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'Here we are again': Death row Canadian waits as Montana looks at resuming executions

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'Here we are again': Death row Canadian waits as Montana looks at resuming executions


CALGARY — The fate of a Canadian who has been on death row in Montana for the past 42 years has been thrown into more uncertainty as state legislators try again to remove obstacles to resuming executions.

Ronald Smith, 67, is originally from Red Deer, Alta., and has been on death row since 1983, a year after he and another man, high on LSD and alcohol, shot and killed two young Indigenous cousins near East Glacier, Mont.

Time moves slowly at Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge, Mont. where Smith has been described as a model prisoner for four decades. But almost like clockwork every two years, another attempt to allow the state to resume executions begins in the Montana legislature.

All executions have been stayed in Montana since 2015 because the state requires the use of an “ultra-fast-acting barbiturate” that is no longer available.

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U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock ruled that pentobarbital — the drug the state was planning to use — didn’t qualify as “ultra-fast-acting” and blocked the state from using it. There hasn’t been an execution in Montana since 2006.

But a new bill, sponsored by Republican Rep. Shannon Maness, would remove the “ultra-fast-acting” language and instead allow the state to use “an intravenous injection of a substance or substances in a lethal quantity sufficient to cause death.”

Maness did not respond to a request for an interview.

Alex Rate, legal director of the American Civil Liberties Union, said the proposed legislation is frustrating.

“They’re going to keep trying and do everything they can to dehumanize people and put people to death, so here we are again. What they’re trying to do is loosen the requirements regarding which substances can be used for lethal injection,” said Rate.

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Rate said pentobarbital is still not available and administering something like antifreeze, rat poison or cyanide in a sufficient quantity to cause death is the definition of cruel and unusual punishment.

“I testified in the committee of the House Judiciary Committee and reminded them if they wanted to see the death penalty be rendered unconstitutional, adopting a bill like this would be the right way to do it because it permits just about any substance to be used.”

Going back almost 20 years, bills both to reinstate executions and abolish the death penalty have come close to passing, but have ultimately failed.

Rate said, this time, he’s worried.

“We are living in a new sort of world order here in Montana where the executive and legislative branches of government are dominated by one ideology and the death penalty fits neatly within that ideology,” he said.

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“I feel like everybody is marching to the same playbook.”

Smith’s longtime lawyer, Greg Jackson, didn’t expect this issue to arise again so soon.

“This was kind of a shot out of the blue after the last many sessions we’ve had in the legislature where things went untampered with, so to speak,” he said.

“After this many years it is frustrating. This appears to be a bill, that at least on the face of it, attempts to modify a protocol that they could utilize.”

In an interview in 2021, after a similar bill was defeated, Smith was far from ecstatic.

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“A lot of people look at it and say, ‘Well at least you’re alive,’ but I’m really not. I’m just sitting around like a bump on a log is all I’m doing, and after almost 40 years of this, anything is preferable,” Smith told The Canadian Press.

“I’ve hit that point where I’ve done enough of this. If they’re (legislators) not going to cut me a break, then go ahead and do away with me.”

Jackson said his client’s mood has since improved after he was granted more digital access to his family.

“It’s something that really has made life behind bars in the U.S., away from his family, at least more tolerable.”

Smith and Rodney Munro admitted to marching Harvey Mad Man, 23, and Thomas Running Rabbit, 20, into the woods by a highway. They shot each man in the head with a sawed-off .22-calibre rifle.

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Smith was initially offered a plea deal that would have taken the death penalty off the table, but he rejected it. He pleaded guilty and asked to be put to death but later changed his mind. He has had five execution dates set over the years. Each has been overturned.

Munro took the plea bargain, was eventually transferred to a prison in Canada and has been free since 1998.

Rate said even if the new legislation passes, the matter is far from over.

“There’s all sorts of procedural protections and constitutional requirements that accompany putting anybody to death,” he said.

“Even assuming that the state is able to jump over those hurdles, they would have to acquire a substance that they could use and then no doubt they will be sued.”

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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2025.

Bill Graveland, The Canadian Press



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Montana Lottery Powerball, Lucky For Life results for Feb. 1, 2025

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The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Feb. 1, 2025, results for each game:

Winning Powerball numbers from Feb. 1 drawing

23-29-32-49-61, Powerball: 08, Power Play: 2

Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 1 drawing

04-34-36-42-47, Lucky Ball: 02

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Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lotto America numbers from Feb. 1 drawing

14-15-21-35-52, Star Ball: 06, ASB: 03

Check Lotto America payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from Feb. 1 drawing

10-14-24-30, Bonus: 01

Check Big Sky Bonus payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Montana Cash numbers from Feb. 1 drawing

01-05-12-31-43

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.

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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 Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, 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 music students get a taste of mambo at MSU Billings Jazz Festival

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Montana music students get a taste of mambo at MSU Billings Jazz Festival


BILLINGS — The 11th annual MSU Billings Jazz Festival brought together music students from across the state to showcase their talent and learn from professional musicians.

Isabel Spartz/MTN News

Middle school, high school, and college students were adjudicated by guest musicians and MSU Billings professors.

Held all day Friday, the festival provided a unique opportunity for young musicians in junior high, high school, and college to perform, be judged, and receive valuable feedback from industry professionals. Ensemble entry is free for schools and non-competitive.

Watch the video of this story:

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Montana music students get a taste of mambo at MSU Billings Jazz Festival

MSU Billings music professor and department chair John Roberts founded the festival in 2014. Since then, it has only grown to include over 25 schools and expanded beyond jazz music.

“We expect to get about 800 people through our doors and we sold this 500-seat room out in about four hours as soon as the tickets opened, so it’s really nice,” said Roberts. “Part of that is because of the people I’m bringing in and the level of students I have playing in my ensemble, so people want to see that.”

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Isabel Spartz/MTN News

The Ben Steele Middle School ensemble played in Cisel Hall Friday morning.

Each year, Roberts invites guest artists to attend and adjudicate the ensemble performances, as well as host musical clinics. This year, six guest artists were in attendance, including Ron Blake, Joey De Leon, Otto Granillo, James King, Junko Seki, and Eric Richards. While the events throughout the day were free, the night ended with a sold-out gala concert featuring the MSU Billings Jazz Ensemble and, for the first time in the event’s history, a 20-piece full mambo-style orchestra.

“It’s just something I always wanted to do and it’s something that never happens anymore, so it’s kind of special. This was standard in the ’70s, but nobody does this music,” said Roberts.

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Isabel Spartz/MTN News

The mambo orchestra practiced together for the first time Thursday night in Petro Theatre.

The band performed traditional mambo music, a Latin dance style that originated in Cuba. Made up of Grammy winners, nominees, composers, and various local artists and music professors, the performance blended the talents of Montana musicians with those from Los Angeles.

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“These guys, I mean they play with Fitz and the Tantrums, they played with Christina Aguilera, they played with Mark Anthony,” said Roberts. “People want to see them and they’re just all really great people who have a great spirit, and they’re here for the right reason.” 

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Isabel Spartz/MTN News

Multi-instrumentalist James King was one of the several guest artists in attendance. He is a co-founding member of popular music group Fitz and the Tantrums.

Guest multilingual singer Junko Seki, who flew in from California to teach a clinic, was thrilled for the opportunity to play in the band and to share her experiences with the students.

“We’re all excited. This is the first for all of us,” said Seki. “It’s really fortunate for us to be able to share our stories with all of (the students), and then some of (them) may get inspired.”

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Isabel Spartz/MTN News

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Guest artist Junko Seki is a multilingual singer. She is most known for her work in salsa and mariachi-style music.

That opportunity to listen to and learn from professional musicians is rare but valuable for the students themselves.

“It’s a little nerve-wracking. It’s super cool, like it’s a super great experience” said Alexa Caswell, an MSU Billings sophomore alto sax player. “That’s where you want to be someday so just seeing them is awesome.”

For former Sidney High School students Ben Stevens and Sheali Seitz, the festival played a pivotal role in igniting their passion for music, ultimately guiding them to pursue their studies at MSU Billings.

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Isabel Spartz/MTN News

Robert’s biggest inspiration for the mambo band came from Puerto Rican artist Tito Puente.

“High school for me was a great opportunity for me to explore the genre of music that I had a particular interest in at the time,” said Stevens, a senior trombone player. “(Roberts) kind of demonstrated with this festival that the state of Montana really has a large scene to accommodate for jazz and Latin-style music.”

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As high schoolers, Stevens and Seitz attended the festival, taking part in the event’s performances, but now as college students, they help out behind the scenes. Their involvement with the festival has come full circle, allowing them to assist with event operations while also performing in the final concert alongside their school’s jazz ensemble.

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Isabel Spartz/MTN News

John Roberts created the festival 11 years ago, and with the help of the school, he was able to secure enough funding to bring more guest artists to the festival this year.

“Every year, I always dreamed about being in this band and being a part of the MSUB jazz orchestra,” said Seitz, a sophomore tenor sax player. “(Now) to be on this stage in front of the sold-out house was an insane experience and be able to sit with all these musicians who I’ve watched for years and years growing up.”

Instead of attending the festival as spectators, Robert’s jazz students actively help make it happen, passing along the inspiration they once received to the next generation of students while still developing as musicians themselves.

“We have someone to look up to, and I feel like just being around those types of people and that level of musicianship helps you improve in a way too, even just for a couple days,” said Sam Laytom, MSU Billings junior and percussion player. “I feel like that’s what they’re going to remember in high school like just getting that positive feedback as well and that encouragement to keep playing their instrument.”

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Isabel Spartz/MTN News

Hundreds of students participated in the MSU Billings Jazz Festival.

For many young musicians, the MSU Billings Jazz Festival is not just a high-stress performance, but a chance to grow, connect with others, and be inspired by some of the best musicians in the world, no matter their skill level, all united by their shared love for music.

“Music is universal,” said Seki. “You speak the same language, so it really doesn’t matter who you are. We all play music, so that’s just love, I think.”





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