Fun “Takes a Break” on Flathead Lake

A landmark on the shores of Flathead Lake is preparing for a major transition. Our local reporter has the details on the upcoming changes at the KwaTaqNuk Resort."

The gaming floor at Polson’s KwaTaqNuk Resort & Casino will go dark next month. Management announced that the casino will close its doors at midnight on Sunday, May 3rd.

But for fans of the resort, this isn't a final goodbye. More of a 'glow-up.' The closure marks the beginning of an extensive renovation project aimed at upgrading the facility for families and future guests. While the machines are turned off, the resort's hotel, gas docks, and the Falling Waters Bar & Grill will all remain open for business.

The gaming action isn't going far, either. On May 5th at 2:00 PM, the brand-new 400 Horses Casino will host its grand opening celebration to fill the void during the construction phase.

     🎰 Resort officials say the popular 'Rock the Dock' summer concert series will return as planned with a lineup to be announced soon. 

Relief in Red Lodge

An encouraging update this morning regarding the East Side Fire. Residents are returning home as containment grows and fire activity begins to settle down after burning over 16 hundred acres in a matter of hours.

Officials with the Custer Gallatin National Forest report that containment has now reached 10 percent. Despite facing extreme winds earlier yesterday, a drop in temperature and a rise in humidity helped subdue fire activity across the line.

The Carbon County Sheriff’s Office has officially lifted all evacuation orders. East Side Road North and South, as well as Howell Gulch Road, have been reopened to local traffic only. While residents can return, officials urge the public to remain vigilant as fire crews are still heavily engaged in the area.

A new Forest Service closure order is now in effect, which includes several popular recreation spots. The Sheriden and Rattin Campgrounds, along local trailheads with the Mount Maurice and Corral Creek Trailheads, remain closed to ensure public safety and allow firefighters to work unimpeded.

     Authorities say the fire is no longer considered a "primary threat."

Montana measles are back

Health officials are on high alert as Montana grapples with a series of measles outbreaks that have spread across multiple counties this spring.

The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services reports in Lewis and Clark County, five new cases were recently confirmed following a public exposure at St. Peter’s Health. This follows earlier reports from Blaine County and the Fort Belknap Indian Community, marking a higher return of the highly contagious virus to the Treasure State.

Public health departments in Gallatin and Lewis and Clark counties are currently maintaining active surveillance and exposure site lists. Officials are urging residents to verify their vaccination status, as measles is one of the most easily transmitted respiratory diseases.

Meanwhile, the state’s influenza season is finally showing signs of slowing down. While respiratory illness activity remains moderate to high, state labs report that the Influenza A H3-N2 strain continues to be the dominant variant circulating now.

Doesn't ANYONE have this ticket?

The remaining from the Montana Millionaire drawing was held back at Christmas time.

The winning ticket, Number: 315-500, was sold at JMT TriStop & Casino in Butte.

And time is running out for the winner to claim the big prize. Under the rules, the prize must be claimed in exactly six months, which means that the ticket will expire June 26th.

There is also an outstanding $50,000 Powerball prize from a ticket sold at the Town Pump of Great Falls #3 back in December, which expires on June 24th.

READ MORE: Montana Lottery Scam Warning

But others are keeping Lottery officials busy, with over $212,000 awarded since the 13th. One winner accounted for most of that with a $150,000 dollar prize purchased in Great Falls.