Montana

Whitefish's Hailey Ells to continue track and field career at Montana State

Published

2 years ago

January 11, 2024

Whitefish's Hailey Ells to continue track and field career at Montana State

WHITEFISH — Hailey Ells has dominated on the track for the Whitefish Bulldogs during her high school career. Now the senior has decided to stay in the Treasure State to continue her career at Montana State.

“Coach Dustin (Cichosz) was amazing at MSU, he’s been in contact with me since sophomore year, never really stopped contacting me,” said Ells. “He just loved my personality, my drive, and so I think that’s a really big aspect. I just feel like I’ll feel at home there and feel respected as an athlete and as a person.”

In a way Ells will be following in her older sisters Mikenna’s footsteps. Mikenna Ells is almost at the end of her collegiate track career, the only difference is Mikenna is at the University of Montana.

“She definitely gives me a hard time, it’s always like, ‘Go Griz’ constantly,” Ells said with a laugh. “And then when I signed she was like, ‘Oh I’m wearing a Griz shirt 100%.’ So there’s just the little things. But yeah, she’s super excited for me, super happy. I’m excited that we’ll get to see each other at all the track meets.”

Despite the newfound rivalry, Ells knows she wouldn’t be in the position she’s in without her big sister to look up to.

“I would say she’s my biggest inspiration, she has been since I was a little kid. I’ve always just taken after her,” said Ells. “Just to be able to have this opportunity to go to the next level is amazing, and I feel like I gotta give a lot of it to her. She just always pushed me and always was encouraging me regardless of what was going on.”

Even with all the excitement with her commitment to the Cats, the Class 400- and 1,600-meter relay winner is focused on finishing out her final year of high school track on top.

“Our outcome last year wasn’t how we wanted to end; it was a struggle at state,” said Ells. “We’re hungry for another championship and I think we’re all going to focus on the process and getting better daily and not just the results.”

Before she heads to Bozeman, Ells will look to help lead the Bulldogs girls track team to their second state title in three years.

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Related Topics:Featured Hailey Ells Mikenna Ells Montana State track & field Whitefish High School track & field

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Montana

Grizzly moved from Montana to Togwotee for genetics spotted with cubs in Teton Wilderness

Published

4 hours ago

April 10, 2026

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Grizzly moved from Montana to Togwotee for genetics spotted with cubs in Teton Wilderness

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Montana

Highway ad sign costs double, pricing out Montana business owners

Published

16 hours ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

Highway ad sign costs double, pricing out Montana business owners

BILLINGS— Sponsorship of businesses on Montana highway exit signs have doubled in cost, pricing out some small business owners.

Montana Logos, which manages the signs, renegotiated its contract within the last year with the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT), which resulted in prices doubling for most customers. They refer to the signs as tourist-oriented directional signs (TODS).

Watch the report:

Highway ad sign costs double, pricing out Montana business owners

Transportation officials say they increased the costs to match rising costs. According to Bob Heiser, MDT Right of Way bureau chief, the department and Montana Logos have not increased costs for years.

“The contract was up for renewal this past year. And during that renewal process, we asked them to look at this program. And that’s when we discovered that there hadn’t been any rate changes in at least 21 years,” Heiser told MTN.

Heiser said the increased revenue will fund highway projects and other infrastructure.

“We feel it’s still an affordable way for some of those businesses to have some advertisement along our interstates,” he added.

Some business owners in Big Horn County disagree.

“I just don’t understand how a company can gouge small businesses. That wasn’t in my budget,” said Kristy Mastin, owner of the KOA campground in Hardin.

Vanessa Willardson/Q2

Kristy Mastin

She received an invoice for $4,800 in February to keep her business on the exit signs. She paid $2,400 last year for the same service.

“I was dumbfounded,” said Mastin.

Other campground owners in the county shared Mastin’s shock.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.24.45 PM.png — Mastin’s February invoice

“We can’t afford that as a small business to suddenly have one aspect of our advertising raised that much,” said Jamie Redger, owner of 7th Ranch RV Camp in Garryowen.

His costs quadrupled in a year, increasing from $1,200 to $4,800, after Montana Logos told him he had to pay to be on the signs for a full year. In the past, he had only paid for half the year.

“At this point, I’ve told Montana Logos that I don’t plan to renew with them,” said Redger.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.23.21 PM.png — Jamie Redger

Another campground, Grandview Campground and RV Park, may be disappearing from the signs as well.

“We have to ask ourselves, what can we cut out? And Montana Logo is probably going to be it,” said the campground’s owner, Laurie Tschetter.

She is concerned about how the lack of advertising will affect the tourism industry in her community.

“We are kind of the backbone of bringing a lot of tourism dollars back into this state,” said Tschetter.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.23.02 PM.png — Laurie Tschetter

The business owners are working with the Hardin Chamber of Commerce, in hopes the state will hear their voices and give them a grant.

“I want to support these businesses and our communities and whatever we need to do next, whether it’s a letter or taking it up a little higher. That’s all we can do,” said Alexandria Edwards, with the Hardin Chamber of Commerce.

The community is also starting to consider advertising alternatives.

Screen Shot 2026-04-09 at 6.23.47 PM.png — Alexandria Edwards

“It would be cheaper just to go get a billboard or put their money into something that would be more fruitful for them,” said Edwards.

“I’ve watched different advertising things go by the wayside. And maybe Montana Logos needs to find that out,” added Tschetter.

Montana Logos did not return multiple calls and messages from MTN News requesting comment.

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Montana

What To Do And Not To Do When Spotting A Celebrity In Montana

Published

1 day ago

April 9, 2026

Press Room

What To Do And Not To Do When Spotting A Celebrity In Montana

I’m going to be honest, I’ve lived in Bozeman for years, and I have yet to spot anyone famous.

I bring this up because it seems that celebrity spotting’s are a big deal here in Montana, especially around the Bozeman area. Just in the last couple of weeks there have been Shaq and Justin Timberlake sightings, although it should be noted the two weren’t together.

Shaq decided to stop into McKenzie River Pizza in Belgrade and took a photo with the staff, while Justin Timberlake actually lives outside of Bozeman and so I’m not sure you get as many points seeing him out and about.

There are others, Glen Close has a place here, Sam Elliot has been spotted in town, as well as Michael Keaton, and Kurt Russell, and I had a co-worker swear we were in line with Cameron Diaz one time at an event over at The Armory.

So, yes, famous people hang out around Bozeman. However, when you encounter one, there are certain rules you should be aware of.

What do do when encountering famous people in Montana

First, are they with their family or are they eating? If so, maybe a head nod and you move on. Don’t be that person that goes up and interrupts them or worse, just stands there until they acknowledge you. While they may be famous, they still have a right to enjoy a meal or time with their family out in public.

Second, if they are alone, be cool. Don’t rush up to them and ask for 50 billion things. Approach them, calmly, say hello, let them know you’re a big fan. See how they respond, if they are gracious, then maybe ask for a picture. But don’t blow it by acting a fool.

Finally, if they come across as rude, don’t take it personal. Some of these folks work several hours a day, and maybe you caught them in a moment. Yes, it’s super cool for you to meet a celebrity, but for them, you’re the 500th person they’ve had to meet that day. You have to know when to walk away.

Have you ever ran into a celebrity? Who was it? Did you have a chance to talk with them? How was their reaction? Let us know by sending us a message on our app.