Montana
New VA clinic in Hamilton brings expanded services and facilities
According to the Montana VA, veterans make up over 10 percent of Ravalli County’s total population.
Montana VA Executive Director Duane Gill says Hamilton’s previous clinic could not keep pace with the health care demands.
“So, it kind of had lived its life and it was time obviously for a much, much bigger clinic.”
At 8,000 square feet, Hamilton’s brand new, eleven million dollar clinic on North 1st Street is 600 percent larger than the old facility.
Hamilton veteran Andrew Poff recently toured the new clinic and walked away impressed. Poff tells MTPR its big parking lot is a huge improvement and makes a great first impression. The former U.S. Army Cavalry Scout says the clinic itself is beautiful.
There’s a lot more room. There’s more seating. It’s open and pretty spacious,” Poff says.
The new clinic will offer services including primary care, women’s health, outpatient mental health care, lab and telehealth services. New to the lineup is physical therapy every Tuesday and Thursday. That’s a big relief to Poff who says valley veterans needing PT treatments through the VA, currently have to travel out of town.
Montana VA Executive Director Duane Gill says recent news reports of Trump Administration plans to cut tens of thousands of Department of Veterans Affairs employees will have no impact on veteran health care.
“The Secretary has been pretty clear on this — there’s going to be no cuts to services,” Gill says.
The Trump administration says the cuts are needed for efficiency in an agency that is sometimes criticized for lengthy delays in health care. Last year, an inspector general found the VA to be understaffed.
The grand opening ceremony for Hamilton’s new VA Clinic begins at 10 a.m. Friday.
POLSON, Mont. — Two motorcyclists crashed on Highway 35 near Polson after failing to negotiate a left-hand curve, leaving one man dead and another hospitalized, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
Two motorcycles were traveling southbound on Highway 35 when both drifted into a guardrail. Both drivers were separated from their motorcycles and ended up on the other side of the guardrail.
A 58-year-old Polson man was confirmed dead at the scene. The second driver, a 45-year-old man, also from Polson, was taken to the hospital with injuries.
Alcohol is a suspected factor in the crash, according to the Montana Highway Patrol.
The crash is under investigation.
KALISPELL — A Flathead County man is turning a personal rock bottom into a lifeline for his community by starting a free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads.
Adam Bruzza started Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle LLC, a free ride share service for people who have been drinking, after realizing he was struggling with addiction.
Maddie Keifer reports – watch the video here:
MT man starts free, late-night ride service to keep drunk drivers off the roads
“I just wanted to give people who do still drink the option for a safe, sober ride home,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza said a devastating mistake behind the wheel became a turning point where he decided enough was enough.
“I was charged with a DUI October 22 of 2024,” Bruzza said.
After a few months focused on his sobriety, Bruzza channeled his energy into his community by starting the shuttle service.
He operates the shuttle in his personal pickup truck. Riders can reach him by phone, text or social media at any time of day or night at no cost.
“I just wanted to give others the opportunity to not get a life changing charge,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza works with bars to connect riders with his service. Although the Big Sky Sobriety Shuttle is a new endeavor, he has already seen a big impact.
“The community response without a doubt has been unconditional love and support that makes my heart all warm and fuzzy,” Bruzza said.
Bruzza also shared a message for others who may be struggling with addiction.
“Your life is worth it, there are people that care out there and it is okay to ask for help,” Bruzza said.
To learn more, click here to visit the Facebook page.
The Montana Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at April 19, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Big Sky Bonus numbers from April 19 drawing
05-13-15-17, Bonus: 01
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.
- Millionaire for Life: 9:15 p.m. MT daily.
Missed a draw? Peek at the past week’s winning numbers.
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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