AGP Executive Report

Cold Case Closure: Yellowstone County Cold Case Unit says it solved the 1978 murder of Corina Lydia Contreraz, using new DNA work to identify her killer, Angelo James Stallsmith Sr., who died in 1990. Local Economy: Miles Community College says a Lightcast study found it contributes $17.7 million annually to the Miles City and southeast Montana economy, supporting about 342 jobs. Public Safety: A 59-year-old woman with three prior DUI convictions was charged with felony DUI in Belgrade after police found signs of intoxication; a 35-year-old man with multiple DUI convictions also faces a new DUI charge after alleged evasion. Community & Culture: Miles City Public Library received a $1,000 AgWest grant for no-cost adult programming, and the library highlighted new titles and recent cyber-safety sessions. State Government: Gov. Greg Gianforte named Larry Flynn as Montana DOT director, replacing Chris Dorrington. Sports: No. 1 Montana State’s 19-game win streak ended with a last-second Idaho upset, 35-34, at the Kibbie Dome. Lottery: Montana Millionaire will add more $1 million prizes, with tickets on sale Nov. 1.

Local Politics: Butte may still move forward with a temporary data center ban while it drafts a longer-term policy, after commissioners asked the county attorney to write a moratorium that would pause hyperscale data center construction and expansion while zoning guardrails are studied. Public Safety: A Paradise Valley woman faces a felony theft charge after investigators say she took $2,310 from a store cash register, with court set for Oct. 13. Courts & Appointments: Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner is the only applicant for a district court seat, putting him in line for a governor appointment after the Nov. 3 Supreme Court election. Health Care Politics: Planned Parenthood and Democratic Senate candidate Alani Bankhead traded claims over whether she completed the endorsement process. Community & Veterans: Libby’s 27th annual Stand Down returns Oct. 3-4, offering free services for veterans across northwest Montana. Sports (Montana): Montana State heads to Idaho’s Kibbie Dome seeking a rare win in Moscow, while Bobcat fans in Bozeman are already lining up watch plans. Environment & Recreation: A proposal has been submitted for a Glacier View Tram in Glacier National Park, starting the Forest Service screening process.

Laurel Court Case: A Laurel couple faces serious charges after prosecutors allege grooming and sexual abuse of underage girls; Zachary Daniel Nicodemous pleaded not guilty and a judge set $2 million bond after investigators found firearms and drugs during a search. Montana Politics: Supporters of Constitutional Initiative 133 say the Legislature has made the ballot initiative process harder, arguing for clearer, faster, and more predictable rules for getting measures on the ballot. State Government: Gov. Greg Gianforte named Larry Flynn as the new director of the Montana Department of Transportation, replacing Chris Dorrington. Medicaid Watch: Montana’s Medicaid work requirements are now enforced after the state’s grace period ended Oct. 1, meaning some expansion adults could be denied or disenrolled for noncompliance. Health & Safety: Montana VA begins its statewide flu vaccination campaign Oct. 6 with walk-in and drive-up clinics. Local Elections: Prairie County voters will weigh a nearly $2 million Terry Public Schools bond and a proposed road levy increase, with absentee ballots mailing Oct. 9. Business/Community: The Freeport Chamber held its 26th annual golf classic, honoring local small-business leader Frank Montana.

Montana Politics: A ballot initiative dubbed the “Montana Plan” would ban corporate spending on elections, aiming to curb dark money attack ads and boost transparency in state races. Medicaid & Health Access: Confusion and frustration continue as Montana rolls out Medicaid work rules, with recipients saying the timing and paperwork requirements aren’t clear. Public Safety & Courts: A Montana law firm estimates more than 250 ICE/CBP arrests in the state this year and is pushing court action over alleged warrant and due-process problems. Local Government: Livingston commissioners will discuss a new welcome sign for Exit 330, including “welcome to Livingston, Monana,” with funding from a state tourism grant. Healthcare in Indian Country: Blackfeet Tribal EMS is set to receive a new ambulance through an $8.7 million rural EMS investment. Environment: A court vacated a Clearwater gravel mine permit, citing infringements on constitutional public participation rights. Crime: A Columbia Falls therapist pleaded not guilty to child sex abuse and drug charges, facing up to 100 years. Sports: UM hosts Northern Colorado for homecoming as the Grizzlies focus on avoiding “rat poison” after a big win.

Montana Politics: A new ballot measure, CI-132, would lock in nonpartisan judicial elections in the Montana Constitution, limiting future efforts to add party labels. Judicial & Public Safety: The Montana DCI is investigating an officer-involved critical incident in Harlem, while Roosevelt County reports major drug enforcement, including arrests tied to about a pound of meth. Elections & Cost of Living: A new poll finds many Montanans think the state is on the wrong track, with data centers and affordability topping voter concerns. Data Centers: Nearly 3 in 4 Montana voters oppose new data centers in their area, as communities push back against proposed projects. Rural Economy: U.S. Sen. John Kennedy’s bipartisan bill cleared the Senate to expand access to capital for rural small businesses, a focus that includes Montana. Education & Health: Montana’s AG urges consumers to file claims tied to generic drug price-fixing settlements, and the state is rolling out Medicaid work rules that early patients say are confusing. Local Government: Roosevelt County approved buying a former National Guard readiness center in Culbertson to repurpose as a fire hall and community space.

TSA Hiring: Bozeman airport is seeing passenger growth that’s driving more TSA security officer hiring in Belgrade, with nearly 3 million travelers expected in 2026. Livingston Film Backlash: A Ben Shapiro-linked movie set in Livingston is recreating an ICE shooting scene, sparking protests and raising concerns for a nearby food pantry during road closures. Wildlife Management: Colorado is tightening its approach to killing wolves tied to livestock attacks, citing disease risk, pup survival, and uncertainty about the state’s wolf population. Public Safety in Billings: Billings firefighters will rappel to remove graffiti on the Rims, with crews staging along Skyline Trail during the cleanup. Healthcare Access: Intermountain Health is expanding its OBGYN program in Billings amid a national shortage, aiming for more consistent prenatal and postpartum care. State Grants: Montana’s Noxious Weed Trust Fund grant cycle for FY2027 is open, with up to $75,000 per project. Local Courts: A federal case in Columbia Falls accuses developer Mick Ruis and others of Navy contract fraud; he pleaded not guilty. Community & Retail: Missoula planning points to a Whole Foods anchor for a new Midtown Market development. Weather: Cooler, cloudier conditions with light showers move through parts of Montana, followed by a dry, warming stretch into early October.

Data Centers in the spotlight: Fergus County residents are urging commissioners to form a data center working group to set local rules on size, water use, noise, and roads, after concerns about “hyper scale” campuses and limited public info. Wildlife conservation: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks is seeking public comment on a proposed 99-year conservation easement for 3,652 acres at Hannah Ranch near Moore, aimed at protecting habitat while keeping ranching and expanding hunting access. Local business growth: VACOM says its Montana campus is ramping up for U.S. demand, projecting a 30% workload increase this year and more hiring in 2027. Statewide public health: Montana’s drought picture is improving after August–September rains, but severe to extreme drought remains in parts of southeastern Montana, with a drought advisory committee meeting Oct. 6. Bear safety crackdown: FWP euthanized 14 black bears near Bozeman after investigators found them “extremely food conditioned” and unafraid of people; the investigation continues. Early childhood milestone: First Lady Gianforte announced one million free books have been mailed through the Montana Imagination Library.

Rural EMS Funding: Montana sent nearly $9 million to rural and frontier emergency medical services, backing upgrades for about 80 agencies, including new ambulances and equipment like monitors and ventilators. Wildlife Enforcement: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks euthanized 14 black bears near Bozeman after investigators found they were “extremely food conditioned” and habituated to people; one cub was taken for possible zoo placement, and feeding bears is illegal under state law. Public Safety & Health: Montana lawmakers and officials are pushing for clearer rules on 7-OH, a kratom derivative being treated like an opioid by federal agencies, as concerns grow about overdoses and business access. Local Government & Newsroom: Lee Enterprises is acquiring the Great Falls Tribune, expanding its Montana newspaper footprint and reshaping local print coverage. Community Support: Town Pump Charitable Foundation awarded nearly $1.2 million to 81 volunteer fire departments statewide, including $20,000 for a training facility in Cut Bank. Weather: Highs are in the 50s to 70s across Montana, with breezy conditions easing and a warmer, drier stretch expected into early October.

Montana Wildlife: The Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission rejected two citizen petitions—one seeking 24-hour trap checks on public lands and another pushing a bear-spray requirement in grizzly country—while approving work on a new predator management policy. Drought Relief: A federal disaster designation for much of Montana unlocks USDA emergency credit and low-interest loans for drought-stricken producers, with application deadlines set for next spring. Water Infrastructure: President Trump signed legislation extending the Fort Peck Reservation Rural Water System through 2028, keeping key northeastern Montana projects moving. Local Growth Costs: Missoula leaders are moving ahead with a nearly $6 million Miller Creek neighborhood road project, using a Special Improvement District that would add a new levy on existing residents to cover remaining costs. Health & Community: UM launched “Be Here with Brick” to reduce screen time by letting people tap phones against campus devices to lock distracting apps. Sports & Community Spotlight: Montana State held a ceremonial signing day for 5-year-old Bozeman native Loic Blackford through Team IMPACT.

Big Sky Football: Montana State kept rolling with a gritty win over No. 18 Northern Arizona at Bobcat Stadium, extending its winning streak to 19 as the Bobcats leaned on depth and defense. Community Remembrance: Thousands in Billings wore red to honor 13-year-old Chase Lantz, who died after being hit while walking to school; his family says he’ll be taken off life support and become an organ donor. Local Governance: Laurel residents are getting a chance to weigh in on plans for the old Laurel High School and middle school after it was sold—owners say they won’t tear down the main building or gym and will hold an Oct. 16 open house. Wildlife & Public Safety: Bear conflicts in south-central Montana are at “unprecedented” levels, with wildlife managers pointing to stressed bears and food shortages; meanwhile, FWP is also proposing to remove illegally introduced bass from Livingston’s Sacajawea Lagoon. Statewide Policy: Alaska joined Montana in a legal fight challenging Maine’s 72-hour firearms waiting periods. Energy & Environment: Montana’s water infrastructure is getting a major upgrade as crews replace the 110-year-old St. Mary Diversion Dam near Babb, with fish protection built into the project.

Montana Politics: A Billings-area petition is pushing the City Council and school district to make Grand Avenue and Rehberg Lane safer after 13-year-old Chase Lantz was struck while walking to school, with calls for a pedestrian bridge and structural changes. Public Safety & Community: Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks will host a mule deer discussion Wednesday in Malta, focusing on northeast Montana and how residents can get involved. Sports: Montana State’s Bobcats kept rolling with a 28-14 win over Northern Arizona, while the Grizzlies crushed UC Davis 62-22 behind Eli Gillman’s record-setting day. Weather: Scattered showers and a few isolated thunderstorms are possible Monday in parts of Montana, with drier, breezier conditions building through the week. Wildlife: Wildlife photographer Sylvia Borgonovo, known for images of Yellowstone’s oldest-known wolf 1090F, died at 65.

Local Tragedy: Billings police say 13-year-old Chase Lantz was hit by a vehicle while crossing near Will James Middle School on Sept. 24, with CPR performed and Chase later flown to Denver with devastating injuries. Sports (Montana ties): Former Grizzlies head coach Bobby Hauck is out as Illinois defensive coordinator after four games, following a 42-19 loss to Ohio State; Illinois says the move was mutually agreed to protect the defense and student-athletes. Weather: Missoula-area forecasts call for a small chance of rain Sunday night, then a mostly dry stretch with highs near the upper 60s to mid-70s into early October. Statewide Economy: Rising diesel prices are hitting Montana farmers hard, with one Bozeman-area potato operation estimating thousands in added fuel costs as harvest ramps up. Community & Service: Montana National Guard and the Department of Military Affairs held “Headquarters for a Day” in Kalispell to brief leaders, show capabilities, and run orientation flights. Culture: The 2026 MTV VMAs in Los Angeles featured Madonna’s return and a Dolly Parton tribute, with winners rolling in live.

Montana Sports: No. 1 Montana State kept its historic roll, beating No. 18 Northern Arizona 28-14 in Bozeman despite injuries to Justin Lamson and Taco Dowler; Patrick Duchien filled in at QB and Colson Coon ran hard as the Bobcats extended a 19-game win streak. Montana Sports: In Davis, Eli Gillman shattered Montana’s single-game rushing record with 275 yards and four TDs as the Grizzlies routed UC Davis 62-22. Outdoor Access: The U.S. Forest Service is proposing a major travel rule shift that would treat many trails as open to ATVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4s unless marked closed—drawing pushback from conservation and nonmotorized groups. Wildlife Protection: A leaked federal memo would narrow how accidental killings are handled under the Endangered Species Act, a change critics say could weaken protections for Montana grizzlies and other species. Community & Health: Northern Montana Healthcare’s rehab team hosts an open house Oct. 1, and the Montana Farmers Union holds a free “Serenity in the Storm” mental health event Sept. 28 in Havre.

Montana Sports: No. 24 Montana Tech kept its momentum with a 3-0 sweep of MSU Northern, winning 25-11, 25-14 and 25-20 behind a strong hitting day from Madison Biery and key serving from Hayes. Big Sky Football: The Montana Grizzlies hit a major road test Saturday at UC Davis after a tough nonconference loss, with kickoff set for 8 p.m. MT and the game streaming only on ESPN Select. NAIA Spotlight: College of Idaho jumped to a 35-19 win over No. 2 Montana Tech, using a big second-half surge after a late first-half swing. Community & Health: The Central Montana “Out of the Darkness” Walk drew supporters in Great Falls, with participants honoring loved ones lost to suicide. Local Events: UM launched a new fall tradition with an Open Championship & Festival, mixing golf with vendors, games and community energy. State News: Gov. Greg Gianforte kicked off the fifth annual Youth Hunting Story Contest for Montana kids ages 10-17.

Montana Courts: The Montana Supreme Court denied a new trial for Del Orrin Crawford, convicted in the 2022 Martin City bar shooting that killed a Hungry Horse woman and injured her husband, saying any possible statement error was harmless. Public Safety: A traffic stop near Poplar led to four arrests and the seizure of more than a pound of suspected methamphetamine, with charges filed in both Montana District Court and Fort Peck Tribal Court. State Government & Energy: Gov. Greg Gianforte issued an executive order to speed up gasoline and diesel deliveries by extending a federal hours-of-service waiver to in-state fuel haulers. Community & Local Events: Great Falls-area organizers announced the Mary Fields “Stagecoach Mary” statue dedication, Women’s Expo dates, and the Charlie Russell centennial celebration; Lewistown also announced a farm-to-table “Harvest Train” on Oct. 2. Education & Workforce: MSU-Northern students won national SkillsUSA medals, and Blaine County residents have until Oct. 15 to apply for Montana Community Foundation grants.

Helium Drilling Push: REV Exploration has started a multi-well drill program at the Aden Dome project along the Alberta-Montana border, with a major focus on Montana and plans to move to the West Butte project after permitting. Public Health & Drugs: Montana AG Lynn Fitch joined a 20-state letter urging federal action to protect the U.S. supply chain from low-quality or unsafe Chinese pharmaceutical ingredients, including risks tied to compounded GLP-1 drugs. Education Freedom: Gov. Greg Gianforte led an education freedom roundtable in Great Falls, highlighting open enrollment, the Montana Digital Academy, and Big Sky Scholarships while asking what’s working ahead of the next legislative session. Homelessness in Great Falls: A new count found 231 unhoused people in Great Falls, up more than 10% from last year, as housing costs and limited affordable options continue to squeeze residents. Local Safety: Montana DCI is investigating a Harlem homicide and officer-involved shooting that left two people dead after hours of attempted negotiations. Arts & Community: First Lady Susan Gianforte marked “Nine Two Five Day” and the milestone of one million free books mailed through Montana’s Imagination Library. Weather: Wind advisories are in effect for western Montana with gusts up to 45 mph, followed by cooler, drier conditions into the weekend.